SB481 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tammy Irons
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Lauderdale Co. (11th Judicial Circuit), pretrial diversion program, established
Summary: SB481 creates a Lauderdale County pretrial diversion program in the 11th Judicial Circuit with rules, funding, and optional restorative justice.
What This Bill Does
The bill lets the district attorney establish a pretrial diversion program for eligible offenses, under DA control, with standards and potential fees. It lists who may apply, which offenses are eligible or ineligible, and the criteria used to decide admission. It requires participants to follow written terms (restitution, education, substance abuse treatment, curfews, etc.), and allows for confidentiality of most records; it also enables a Restorative Justice Initiative and directs how program funds are used. Completing the program can dispose of charges in a noncriminal way, while violations can lead to termination of participation.

Who It Affects
Offenders charged with eligible offenses in Lauderdale County (11th Judicial Circuit), who may apply for admission, face conditions, fees, and potential noncriminal disposition if they complete the program.
Victims, the public, and community in Lauderdale County, who may benefit from restitution, restorative justice options, supervision, and potentially quicker resolution of cases.

Key Provisions
Establishes a pretrial diversion program in the 11th Judicial Circuit, Lauderdale County, under the direct supervision and control of the district attorney.
Allows the district attorney to contract with agencies or individuals and to hire staff to run the program.
Specifies eligible offenses for diversion (e.g., certain drug, property, misdemeanor, and some traffic/conservation offenses) and lists offenses that are ineligible (e.g., Class A felonies, offenses with serious physical injury, certain violent or death-related offenses, etc.).
Outlines admission criteria and factors the district attorney may consider (ages 18+, likelihood justice will be served, community/offender needs, public safety, rehabilitation potential, victim input, etc.), with DA discretion to waive standards.
Requires written agreements detailing program terms, restitution, potential court jurisdiction after completion, and conditions such as education, employment, counseling, drug testing, and other obligations.
Imposes application and program fees (up to $900 for felonies, up to $750 for misdemeanors), with indigent waivers, payment plans, and funds deposited into the District Attorney's Solicitor Fund.
Provides confidentiality protections for diversion records and counselor communications, with limited admissibility in later proceedings.
Allows a Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI) under guidelines set by the Office of Prosecution Services, with possible additional fees directed to supporting related services.
Enables the district attorney to terminate participation for violations, while allowing waivers for good cause, and specifies that the district attorney or staff are not liable for participants’ conduct.
Permits grants and external funding for the program, and allows creation of a Citizens Advisory Board to assist in candidate selection (final admission decisions remain with the DA).
Encourages use of existing community corrections or drug court programs to supervise or support participants when appropriate.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Lauderdale County