Individuals with first-time, misdemeanor criminal offenses in the Tempe Municipal Court may be offered an option to complete a six- to nine-month diversion program. Participants are required to complete an intake with Community Supervision; attend and complete any education, treatment, or community service assigned by the counselor; complete monthly supervision check-ins; and pay required program fees, including restitution when applicable. If the participant completes all requirements successfully, charged are dismissed by the court. If requirements are not completed within the designated time frame, the case is referred back to court.

Individuals may be sentenced to probation as their sentence for a misdemeanor crime in the Tempe Municipal Court. Participants are required to complete an intake with Community Supervision; attend and complete any education, treatment, community service, or drug testing assigned by the counselor; adhere to any additional probation terms set by the court; complete monthly supervision check-ins; and pay required program fees. If the participant completes all probation terms and requirements successfully, they may be eligible for unsupervised probation. If requirements are not completed within the designated time frame, the case is referred back to court.

Individuals arrested with DUIs in Tempe may be offered an opportunity to complete a portion of their confinement in Home Detention. Participants attend a mandatory orientation, then are set up with a breathalyzer and GPS tracking device at their home upon completion of their jail sentence. Individuals are required to remain in their home at all times, except for work and court-ordered treatment, and are required to refrain from using alcohol for the duration of their sentence. Participants who fail to comply with home detention requirements may be required to complete their remaining sentence in custody.

Individuals between the ages of 18-20 who are arrested for first-time alcohol-related offenses may have the option to complete an 8-hour substance abuse education class where they learn about the dangers of drug and alcohol use and abuse. Upon completion of the Minor in Possession Class, participants’ charges are dismissed by the Tempe Municipal Court. Failure to complete the class results in the case being referred back to court.

Individuals with certain minor, first-time offenses may be given an opportunity to participate in the Community Diversion Program. Participants are required to complete 5-hours of community service at a local non-profit agency before their scheduled court appearance and provide proof of completion to Tempe Human Services. If the community service requirement is complete before the court date, the charge is dismissed.

Individuals under the age of 18 who are arrested with first-time misdemeanor offenses including curfew violations, alcohol/tobacco/other drug violations, and shoplifting may have an option to complete a Youth Diversion course. The Youth Diversion course is a 4-hour workshop offered every other month where youth learn about substance abuse, communication skills, conflict resolution, and goal setting. Upon completion of the Youth Diversion Class, participants’ charges are dismissed by the Tempe Municipal Court. Failure to complete the class results in the case being referred back to court.

The East Valley Regional Veterans Court is a problem-solving court within Tempe Municipal Court that addresses pending criminal charges and life situations such as medical conditions, unemployment, lack of education, homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse that may be contributing to criminal behavior. Community Supervision provides services in the EVRVC by attending weekly staffings, conducting intakes, and connecting veterans to resources for education and treatment in the community or at the VA hospital. For more information on the East Valley Regional Veterans Court, please click here.

For more information on Supporting Next Steps, click here.