Criminal Diversion Program

3.11.2022 – The District Attorney for New Mexico’s largest county says public defenders are not taking advantage of a criminal diversion program as often as they should. Our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the merits of that accusation, the effectiveness of the program and why some people charged with crimes might not want to participate.

Host: Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Edmund Perea, attorney/legal and public safety analyst

Michael Bird, fmr. president of the American Public Health Association

Julie Ann Grimm, editor, Santa Fe Reporter

For More Information:

New Mexico Lawyers Spar Over Criminal Diversion Program – Associated Press

Pre-Prosecution Diversion Program Offers Support to Reduce Recidivism – KRQE

Santa Fe’s Diversion Program for People With Addictions Has Dwindled – Santa Fe Reporter