A group met with Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building Wednesday to celebrate.
Tinkler Mendez congratulated them for completing the requirements of Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office pre-trial diversion programs.
Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Maria Elena Verde-Llanez stood near balloons in the courthouse during a luncheon at the courthouse.
“The best day in this building is the day we have graduations,” Verde-Llanez said.
Walter Thompson, a Florida City commissioner and U.S. Army veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress, agreed with Verde-Llanez.
“Usually what comes in a courthouse comes with jail, but we are talking about recovery,” said Thompson, who is a diversion team peer specialist.
Thompson said the rehabilitation plan includes visits with a probation officer and temporary conditions such as regular drug testing and mental health treatment.
“People who have come from a life of crime or mental illness and they can get jobs driver’s licenses, reconnect with family, and become reintegrated into the community,” Verde-Llanez said.
The pre-trial diversion programs apply to crimes such as driving under the influence, prostitution, and non-violent offenders. Verde Llanez said Wednesday there were about 500 participants.
Local 10 News Digital Journalist Andrea Torres contributed to this report.
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