Pre-Trial Diversion Program Provides Second Chances

SouthLight’s Long-Standing Deferral Program Helps People with Drug and Alcohol Charges

Meet Abbigail Trahan, a Diversion Specialist in SouthLight’s Court Services program. She works out of the Wake County Justice Center, where SouthLight has one of the largest pre-trial diversion programs in North Carolina. Every day, through assessments and education, we provide second chances.  

Every day, through assessments and education, we provide second chances.  

SouthLight has been a trusted resource for the District Attorney’s office, local attorneys and people in need for over 30 years. Why is this long-standing program so successful? We caught up with Abbigail to learn more about the diversion program and what happens inside the courthouse.   

SouthLight has been a trusted resource for the District Attorney’s office, local attorneys and people in need for over 30 years.

 
Q:  What types of cases do you see in the courthouse?  

A: SouthLight’s pre-trial diversion program sees cases that are specific to substance use, whether it’s drug or alcohol. These cases can include just a simple misdemeanor drug or alcohol charge, a felony drug charge, or even charges that may have been motivated by the use of drugs or alcohol — these can include:

• Trespassing
• Simple affray
• Intoxicated and disruptive

Q: What does it mean to have your case or charges deferred?  

A: Having your case or charges differed means that you are essentially going through an educational or rehabilitation program–in this case SouthLight–in order to get your charges dismissed. Each specific type of charge has its own resource so that attorneys are confident their defendant is learning something through court deferral classes.   

Having your case or charges differed means that you are essentially going through an educational or rehabilitation program

3. What types of things do people learn when they participate in the deferral program?  

Our deferral program mainly gives clients an understanding as to what substance abuse is and learn how to find a solution to their substance use.  

Defendants with misdemeanor drug and alcohol charges will complete our 15-hour education classes. Some defendants will be required to complete a substance use assessment and complete the recommended treatment for the court. The assessment and education classes will provide clients a better personal understanding of what issues may be going on.  

Our deferral program mainly gives clients an understanding as to what substance abuse is and learn how to find a solution to their substance use.  

Q:  We often hear the Judicial Team refer to their work as “giving people a second chance.” What does that mean?  

A: Giving people a second chance is most definitely my favorite part about our judicial program. Many cases come to mind that show to me that we are making a difference.  

In just my few months working in our judicial program, there have been many defendants that are appreciative about the opportunity we offer them. I have been in situations where strong substance abuse is present, and those clients have shown that they are so thankful for the opportunity that we are able to offer them; they feel this is a new step in the right direction.  

I’ve seen situations where strong substance abuse is present, and those clients have shown that they are so thankful for the opportunity that we are able to offer them.

Q: Can you share an example? 

A: One specific client that comes to mind is a woman who went through a tougher, more structured drug abuse program through SouthLight’s judicial services. I’ve met her twice and each time she has been emotional about how she has changed her life, including getting a new job, moving to a new city, and completing our drug offense program with flying colors. 

 I think just small things like that show me that our drug and alcohol diversion programs are making a difference.