FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Attorney’s Office has launched a new deferred prosecution initiative aimed at reducing repeat offenses while helping eligible individuals address the root causes of criminal behavior through treatment and rehabilitation.
The new program, known as the Step Up Program, offers certain defendants charged with non-dangerous offenses an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction by successfully completing individualized treatment plans and program requirements. Participants who complete the program may have their criminal charges dismissed, while those who fail to comply will return to the traditional prosecution process.
According to the County Attorney’s Office, the Step Up Program replaces the county’s previous deferred prosecution model and introduces several significant changes designed to improve participant success and long-term outcomes.
Among the changes, the County Attorney’s Office will now directly supervise program participants and has eliminated the $75 monthly supervision fee that was previously required.
The program also places a greater emphasis on personal accountability. Before entering the program, participants must submit a written Statement of Facts admitting responsibility for their actions. Many participants will also be referred to Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), an evidence-based treatment program designed to help individuals identify and change thought patterns that contribute to criminal behavior.
County Attorney Ammon Barker said the program is intended to create lasting change rather than simply dismiss criminal charges.
“The goal is not simply to dismiss charges. The goal is to reduce future crime and improve the lives of participants and their families,” Barker said. “The Step Up Program combines accountability with evidence-based treatment and removes barriers that may prevent people from successfully addressing the issues that brought them into the criminal justice system. By helping participants make lasting changes, we can improve public safety and strengthen our community.”
Officials say the program is designed to improve public safety by addressing issues such as substance abuse, poor decision-making, and other underlying factors that often contribute to criminal conduct.
Individuals seeking additional information about the Step Up Program can contact the Coconino County Attorney’s Office at 928-679-8200.
