HB654 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Craig Ford
Independent
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Etowah Co. (16th Judicial Circuit), pretrial diversion program, established
Summary: HB654 creates a district attorney–run pretrial diversion program in Etowah County’s 16th Judicial Circuit to divert eligible defendants from prosecution with specific rules, fees, and restorative components.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes the district attorney to establish and supervise a pretrial diversion program for eligible offenses in Etowah County, including setting standards and fees. It defines who can be admitted, outlines qualifications and ineligibilities, and requires participants to waive certain legal rights, agree to restitution and program terms, and undergo evaluations. It also establishes how fees are collected and used, allows a Restorative Justice Initiative, and creates an advisory board to assist in selecting candidates while keeping final admission decisions with the district attorney.

Who It Affects
Offenders charged with eligible offenses in Etowah County who may apply for admission to the program and may face fees, restitution, and program conditions in lieu of traditional prosecution.
Victims, the community, and local law enforcement who may benefit from restitution, potential restorative justice measures, and the use of program funds for administration, law enforcement, and child advocacy services.

Key Provisions
Establishes a pretrial diversion program in the 16th Judicial Circuit in Etowah County, under the direct supervision of the district attorney, with possible contracting for services.
Eligible offenses for admission include certain drug (non-trafficking) offenses, property offenses, misdemeanors, and some traffic/conservation offenses; several serious or violent offenses are ineligible.
Admission is at the district attorney’s discretion with listed criteria; the district attorney may waive standards in special circumstances.
Participants must waive speedy and jury trials, agree to restitution and program terms, provide statements acknowledging participation, and consent to ongoing jurisdiction for enforcing court-ordered payments.
Application fees: up to $900 for felonies and up to $750 for misdemeanors; indigent status may be waived or reduced; fees go to the District Attorney’s Solicitor Fund with specified distributions to the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund and a child advocacy center.
Confidentiality protections for pretrial diversion records and privileged communications, with limited exceptions for compelling public interest.
Restorative Justice Initiative may be established within the circuit, with funding rules and potential allocation to service providers.
DA may terminate a participant for violations; written notice and possible good-cause waivers are provided; program objectives include noncriminal dispositions after completion.
Advisory Citizens Advisory Board may assist in selecting candidates, but the DA retains final decision authority; existing community corrections and drug court programs may be used as appropriate.
Program funding and grants may be pursued; use of funds covers administration, law enforcement, and related services; the act becomes effective upon governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Etowah County