Diversion and Counseling

While enforcing State and Municipal law with the imposition of fines and incarceration in accordance with those laws when necessary, the Auburn Municipal Court attempts to balance the punitive effects of those sentences with numerous counseling and treatment programs. While the City Prosecutor initially makes the recommendation for acceptance into one of these programs, admittance is at the sole discretion of the Presiding Judge.

Education, Monitoring & Treatment (EMT) Program

For first time offenders, the Auburn Municipal Court has an Education, Monitoring & Treatment Program which offers defendants a second chance, upon completion of certain stringent counseling and community service requirements. Defendants must complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of drug or alcohol counseling (unless otherwise ordered) and attend a minimum of four (4) AA or NA meetings. In addition, community service hours will be ordered based upon the number and severity of the charged offense(s). There is also an application fee required, which ranges from $375 to $1,075, depending on the nature of the offense.

Defendants accepted into this program will be registered in a state-wide database to insure that individuals only receive this treatment once. Admission into this program requires a background check and also requires that the defendant admit their culpability, i.e. enter a plea of Guilty. It is recommended that you seek legal advice concerning this program; if you cannot afford an attorney and qualify financially, one will be appointed.

The parameters, as well as the application for admission into the program, can be viewed below.

If you are interested in applying, please print out the Application below, complete it fully, and return same to Scott Ritchie at the below email address, or in person at 141 North Ross Street, Auburn, AL 36830.  If the Application is approved, it will be forwarded to the City Prosecutor for further action.