§12-17-226.16. Utilization of community programs and drug court programs; election to opt into this division.

(a) A district attorney, to the extent practicable, may enter into an agreement with a community correction entity, to utilize the services of existing community corrections programs established pursuant to Section 15-18-170, or faith based community programs, which are certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health, to provide for the supervision of defendants participating in a pretrial diversion program established under this division. The district attorney may enter into an agreement with a drug court entity to utilize the services of existing certified drug court programs established pursuant to Section 12-23A-4, provided that the district attorney determines it would serve the best interest of justice and the community.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of Section 12-17-226.11, if, upon enactment of this legislation, a pretrial diversion program, or an equivalent, has been established in the judicial circuit by local law, with regard only to a pretrial diversion program in a circuit court or district court, the district attorney may choose to adopt this division in its entirety or any portion or portions that the district attorney believes would best serve the interest of justice and the community.

(c) If, pursuant to subsection (b), a district attorney elects to opt into any provision or provisions of this division, he or she must file such an election with the Office of Prosecution Services.

(Act 2013-361, p. 1290, §17.)