State's Attorney Kim Foxx is firmly committed to fostering safer and healthier communities by employing prosecutorial resources with strategic precision and endorsing reforms that prevent unnecessary entanglements in the justice system.
The Alternative Prosecution and Sentencing Unit (APSU) operates with a focus on enhancing public safety through the principles of rehabilitation and restoration. APSU diverts offenders to one of 26 specialized courts countywide. These courts offer deferred prosecution and treatment programs, granting offenders the opportunity to address underlying issues and effect positive behavioral changes.
Throughout the criminal justice system, opportunities for diversion manifest at multiple junctures. As the prosecuting authority for Cook County, the State's Attorney's Office embraces diversion by facilitating the connection of offenders with services and programs, rather than resorting to custodial sentences.
Upon successful completion of diversion court programs, charges are either dismissed or vacated. However, it is essential to recognize that certain non-conviction information, such as arrest records and filed charges, may still persist. To expunge or seal your record comprehensively and erase all non-conviction information, you must initiate the application process.
Within Cook County, there are ten distinct types of court-based diversion programs, seven of which are pre-plea deferred prosecution initiatives administered by the State's Attorney's Office. Additionally, there are three post-plea treatment courts overseen by the Office of the Chief Judge. Throughout the court process, cases may be referred to these programs at various stages. You are encouraged to consult with your attorney or request a case screening by a judge to ascertain your eligibility for diversion.
By championing these measures, State's Attorney Foxx seeks to proactively address the root causes of offenses, prioritize rehabilitation, and contribute to the overall betterment of the community