§ 61-11-22 — Pretrial diversion agreements; conditions; drug court programs

West Virginia § 61-11-22

• Jurisdiction: West Virginia
• Ch. 61: CRIMES AND THEIR PUNISHMENT
• Art. 11: GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING CRIMES

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(a) A prosecuting attorney of any county of this state or a person acting as a special prosecutor may enter into a pretrial diversion agreement with a person charged with an offense against the State of West Virginia, when he or she considers it to be in the interests of justice. The agreement is to be in writing and is to be executed in the presence of the person’s attorney, unless the person has executed a waiver of counsel.

(b) Any agreement entered into pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section may not exceed 24 months in duration. The duration of the agreement must be specified in the agreement. The terms of any agreement entered into pursuant to the provisions of this section may include conditions similar to those set forth in §62-12-9 of this code relating to conditions of probation. The agreement may require supervision by a probation officer of the circuit court, with the consent of the court. An agreement entered into pursuant to this section must include a provision that the applicable statute of limitations be tolled for the period of the agreement.

(c) A person who has entered into an agreement for pretrial diversion with a prosecuting attorney and who has successfully complied with the terms of the agreement is not subject to prosecution for the offense or offenses described in the agreement or for the underlying conduct or transaction constituting the offense or offenses described in the agreement, unless the agreement includes a provision that upon compliance the person agrees to plead guilty or nolo contendere to a specific related offense, with or without a specific sentencing recommendation by the prosecuting attorney.

(d) No person charged with a violation of the provisions of §17C-5-2 of this code may participate in a pretrial diversion program:Provided, That a court may defer proceedings in accordance with §17C-5-2b of this code.

(e) No person is eligible for pretrial diversion programs if charged with:

(1) A felony crime of violence against the person where the alleged victim is a family or household member as defined in §48-27-204 of this code;

(2) A violation of §61-8-12 of this code or a felony violation of the provisions of §61-8B-1et seq., §61-8C-1et seq., and §61-8D-1et seq. of this code;

(3) A violation of §61-2-9a(a) of this code;

(4) A violation of §61-2-9d of this code;

(5) A violation of § 61-2-28 of this code; or

(6) A violation of §61-2-9 of this code where the alleged victim is a family or household member as defined in §48-27-204 of this code.

Legislative History

2024 Reg. Sess., HB4399; 2022 Reg. Sess., SB726; 2010 Reg. Sess., SB186; 2010 Reg. Sess., SB443; 2009 Reg. Sess., SB242; 2009 Reg. Sess., HB2684; 2001 Reg. Sess., HB2405; 2001 Reg. Sess., SB388; 1939 Reg. Sess., HB6