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What pretrial diversion or drug court programs exist in Minnesota?

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

Minnesota distinguishes Stay of Adjudication (no conviction) from Stay of Imposition (conviction, later reduced to misdemeanor).

1. Pretrial Intervention / Diversion (DA-Run). Minn. Stat. § 401.065 requires every Community Corrections Act county to have an adult diversion program; supervision typically 6-24 months; completion = dismissal.

2. Statutory Deferred Adjudication / Judicial Diversion. Minn. Stat. § 152.18 (Drug Offender Stay of Adjudication): first-time drug offenders receive a stay of adjudication; successful completion = dismissal. Minn. Stat. § 609.135 stays of imposition for general offenses.

3. Drug Court. Authorized administratively by Minnesota Judicial Branch; 60+ drug courts statewide; both adult and juvenile.

4. Veterans Treatment Court. First opened in Hennepin County 2010; authorized under MJB problem-solving framework; Minn. Stat. § 609.115 subd. 10 mandates veteran assessment at PSI.

5. Mental Health Court. MJB problem-solving courts; coordinates with DHS.

6. DWI Court. MJB-certified; ignition interlock under Minn. Stat. § 169A.55.

7. Youthful Offender / Juvenile. Juveniles under Ch. 260B; Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile under § 260B.130.

8. First-Time-Offender Statute. Expungement under Minn. Stat. § 609A.01 et seq.; statutory expungement under § 609A.02 covers diversion completion and dismissals.

9. Effects. § 152.18 stay of adjudication = no conviction; § 609.135 stay of imposition results in misdemeanor record after felony probation completion. Federal databases persist.

10. Federal Pretrial Diversion. 18 U.S.C. § 3154; DMN operates PTD.

This is legal information, not legal advice.

When to Talk to a Lawyer
  • You face a first-time drug offense and want stay of adjudication under § 152.18
  • You want stay of imposition under § 609.135 to reduce felony to misdemeanor
  • You need expungement under § 609A.02 after completing diversion
Related Statutes & Laws
  • Minn. Stat. § 401.065
  • Minn. Stat. § 152.18
  • Minn. Stat. § 609.135
  • Minn. Stat. § 609A.01

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.