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What pretrial diversion or drug court programs exist in Indiana?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

Indiana centralizes specialty courts under the Indiana Office of Court Services as Problem-Solving Courts.

1. Pretrial Intervention / Diversion (DA-Run). IC 33-39-1-8 authorizes prosecutors to defer prosecution of misdemeanors and Level 6 felonies for 1 year (extendable to 3); user fees up to $500 (§ 33-37-4-1). Completion = no charges filed or dismissal.

2. Statutory Deferred Adjudication / Judicial Diversion. IC 35-38-1-1.5 authorizes "conditional deferral" by the court for Level 6 felonies after a guilty plea; up to 3 years probation; vacation of conviction upon completion. IC 35-50-2-2.2 allows alternative misdemeanor sentencing for Level 6 felonies (Class A misdemeanor entry).

3. Drug Court. IC 33-23-16-6 authorizes problem-solving drug courts; 50+ certified statewide.

4. Veterans Treatment Court. IC 33-23-16-6 covers veterans courts.

5. Mental Health Court. IC 33-23-16-6 covers mental health courts; coordinates with DMHA.

6. DUI / OWI Court. IC 33-23-16-6 covers OWI courts; ignition interlock under IC 9-30-8.

7. Youthful Offender. Juveniles under IC 31-30; no separate young-adult diversion statute.

8. First-Time-Offender Statute. Expungement under IC 35-38-9 (Second Chance Act); arrest expungement (§ 35-38-9-1), misdemeanor (-2), Level 6 felony (-3) after waiting periods. Diversion completion supports immediate eligibility.

9. Effects. Diversion completion = dismissal; conditional deferral results in misdemeanor or vacated conviction. Federal databases persist.

10. Federal Pretrial Diversion. 18 U.S.C. § 3154; NDIN and SDIN operate PTD.

This is legal information, not legal advice.

When to Talk to a Lawyer
  • You face a Level 6 felony and want conditional deferral under IC 35-38-1-1.5
  • You need entry into a Problem-Solving Court under IC 33-23-16
  • You qualify for Second Chance Act expungement under IC 35-38-9 after diversion
Related Statutes & Laws
  • IC 33-39-1-8
  • IC 35-38-1-1.5
  • IC 33-23-16-6
  • IC 35-38-9

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.