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What pretrial diversion or drug court programs exist in Washington?

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

Washington integrates therapeutic courts under RCW 2.30 and uses LEAD-style pre-arrest diversion in many cities.

1. Pretrial Intervention / Diversion (DA-Run). County prosecutors run pretrial diversion (King County's "Therapeutic Alternatives," Spokane "DPA Diversion"). Seattle's LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) is pre-arrest. No uniform statute; rooted in RCW 9.94A.411 discretion.

2. Statutory Deferred Adjudication / Judicial Diversion. RCW 10.05 (Deferred Prosecution) for DUI and certain alcohol/drug-related misdemeanors; 5-year supervised treatment; dismissal on completion. RCW 9.94A.660 (DOSA) is post-conviction. RCW 10.21 (pretrial release) supports.

3. Drug Court. RCW 2.30.010 to .060 authorize therapeutic courts including drug courts; King, Pierce, Spokane, Snohomish operate large ones.

4. Veterans Treatment Court. RCW 2.30; first opened in Pierce 2011.

5. Mental Health Court. RCW 2.30; King County opened first in 1999.

6. DUI Court. RCW 2.30 and RCW 10.05 deferred prosecution provide the framework; ignition interlock under RCW 46.20.385.

7. Youthful Offender. RCW 13.40 (Juvenile Justice Act); no separate young-adult diversion statute. RCW 13.40.080 diversion agreements for juveniles.

8. First-Time-Offender Statute. RCW 9.94A.650 (First-Time Offender Waiver) reduces sentencing for first-time non-violent felonies. Vacation under RCW 9.94A.640 (felony) and RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanor).

9. Effects. Deferred prosecution completion under RCW 10.05.120 = dismissal; remains on driving record for life for DUI. Therapeutic court completion = dismissal/conviction depending on track.

10. Federal Pretrial Diversion. 18 U.S.C. § 3154; WDWA and EDWA operate PTD.

This is legal information, not legal advice.

When to Talk to a Lawyer
  • You face a DUI and want deferred prosecution under RCW 10.05 (one lifetime use)
  • You need entry into a drug or mental-health court under RCW 2.30
  • You qualify for vacation under RCW 9.94A.640 after completing diversion
Related Statutes & Laws
  • RCW 10.05
  • RCW 2.30.010
  • RCW 9.94A.650
  • RCW 9.94A.660

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.