What is a diversion program in criminal justice?

A diversion program in criminal justice is a strategy designed to redirect offenders, particularly those accused of less serious crimes, away from traditional prosecution and into alternative interventions. This approach is primarily aimed at minimizing the consequences of the criminal justice system on individuals who may benefit more from rehabilitation than punishment.

In this context, the correct choice highlights that diversion programs serve as alternatives to prosecution specifically for certain felony suspects. By allowing these individuals to participate in programs that promote rehabilitation—such as counseling, community service, or educational requirements—diversion programs can lead to reduced criminal records and help offenders reintegrate into society more successfully.

The other choices, while related to the criminal justice system in various ways, do not accurately define diversion programs. For example, sentencing methods for juvenile offenders or plea bargaining are different processes that do not specifically embody the concept of diverting individuals away from prosecution. Rehabilitation programs for convicted criminals also represent a later stage in the criminal justice process, occurring after an individual has been adjudicated, rather than functioning as an alternative to prosecution.