Juveniles accepted into a state auto theft diversionary program have a low risk of reoffending within 12 months according to data from the Judicial Branch and obtained by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR). The recidivism rate for juveniles who complete the diversionary program is the same as the overall recidivism rate for vehicular crime in the state.
Connecticut’s diversionary program for juveniles, between the ages of 10 and 18, accused of crimes involving a motor vehicle was established in 2019.
OLR obtained data on the program from the Judicial Branch from between January 2022 and June 2024. During that time, suspension of prosecution was granted in 18 percent of cases referred to the program. Completion of the program varied between 75 percent in 2022, 69 percent in 2023, and 78 percent through June of 2024. In 2022, there were 103 juveniles referred into the program. In 2023, there were 176 and 109 through June 2024.
Through June 2024, the risk of reoffending within 12 months of being discharged from treatment was roughly 13 percent according to the judicial branch. The 12-mont recidivism rate for motor vehicle offenses committed by adults is also roughly 13 percent.
To be eligible for the program, a juvenile must enter a motion to request being entered into the program within 10 days of entering a plea. Acceptance into the program allows legal proceedings for their offense to be suspended for up to six months, during which time the juvenile must participate in programming. State statute directs courts to accept a request to be accepted into the program if the offender is likely to benefit from participation and if doing so “advances the interests of justice.”
If a juvenile successfully completes the program, the charges against them are dropped.
Juveniles are ineligible to participate if they previously participated in the program or are charged with a serious offense.
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