FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 7, 2024
For some, diversion programs are the right path forward, Rose says
While Chuck Rose is on the record saying that he will pursue longer sentences for violent criminals, he is also a firm believer in diversion programs that can spare first-time offenders a criminal record.
“When it comes to violent crimes, sexual crimes and other serious offenses, any sort of diversion program would be off the table,” says Rose, the Democratic candidate for DeKalb County State’s Attorney. “However, there are instances where utilizing diversion programs is a much better option.”
Diversion programs are typically for first-time offenders. They give an opportunity to individuals charged with a crime to take part in community service and counseling in lieu of being sentenced to jail time. If they successfully complete the program, which is closely monitored, the charges are expunged from their record. Participants sign a binding contract outlining the specific requirements.
“As I have campaigned for this office, I have made it a point to speak with pastors, ministers, educators, police chiefs and others about what their concerns are,” says Rose. “Almost unanimously, they favor better utilization of these programs in cases involving younger perpetrators, with little or no criminal history, who are charged with non-violent crimes.”
Such programs are not a “get-out-of-jail free card, says Rose. They come with strict guidelines and oversight and are often coupled with some form of restitution. But, for those who take advantage of the opportunity it can be life changing.
“A criminal history can make it difficult to get into college, make it harder to get a job and may even make it harder for someone to get a home loan years and years after they were convicted. That is an awful steep price to pay for what amounts to a minor infraction, so in appropriate circumstances I would always be willing to explore such avenues,” says Rose.
The value of such programs was reinforced for Rose when he was knocking on the door of a constituent as part of his campaign.
“A man came to the door, and I introduced myself. He looked at me and said, ‘You don’t remember me, do you?’ I had to admit that I didn’t.”
It turned out that they had previously met on the man’s 16th birthday, when he got his license. Testing out his new found freedom, he got into an accident and Rose was the responding officer. “I could have pursued criminal charges, but I had the ability to exercise some discretion. He had no record, and he was very remorseful, Rose now recalls.
The man said, “Instead of arresting me, you helped me get my car towed and gave me a ride home, walked me to the door and told my parents what happened. I caught hell, but it could have been so much worse. And I learned my lesson. Thank you.”
“Standing on this person’s porch – on the porch of the home he owned, where he had raised his children and built a life made me glad that I chose that path,” Rose says. “Diversion programs are a more formal way to offer those sorts of opportunities to qualifying young offenders so that they can go on to be contributing members of our community.”