Arrange Your Free Consultation Now
501-301-4591
Wesley Rhodes | Criminal Defense Attorney
501-301-4591

Defend Your Rights. Protect Your Future. Demand Justice.

Finding A Path Forward Through Arkansas Diversion Programs/Deferred Disposition

Last updated on August 15, 2025

One mistake shouldn’t define you forever. In Arkansas, options like deferred disposition and diversion programs offer a chance to resolve criminal charges without a permanent mark on your record. We at Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, can provide you with guidance on these options. Our experienced criminal defense attorney helps individuals in the Little Rock area pursue the solutions they need for a fresh start.

Understanding The Differences

While both of these paths can help keep records clean, there are some key differences.

  • Diversion programs: These programs can help individuals avoid the traditional court system, typically before the filing of charges. Participants need to follow certain steps to complete the program. Successful completion comes with no conviction. Programs in Arkansas include drug diversion, mental health diversion and juvenile diversion.
  • Deferred disposition: Unlike diversion programs, deferred disposition occurs after charges have been filed and requires the participant to plead guilty or no contest to the offense. However, the court holds off on a conviction and instead puts certain conditions in place. If all the conditions are met, the charges will eventually be dropped, without a conviction.

These routes can also differ significantly in terms of costs and requirements for successful completion.

Our criminal defense attorney can help you understand which of these avenues could be a good fit for your goals and guide you on what can be done to maximize your ability to participate.

Are You Eligible If You Have A Prior Conviction Or Arrest?

Diversion programs and deferred disposition are mainly first-time offender programs. However, each program has its own eligibility rules. Our criminal defense attorney can assist you in assessing your eligibility and exploring other alternative sentencing and criminal record expungement options in Arkansas.

Take The First Step Toward A Fresh Start

Discover your options for moving forward. Get a free consultation with our lawyer by calling us at 501-301-4591 or contacting us online.