1. (a) If a charge involving a child who is eligible for diversion is filed with a court, a justice or judge shall divert the case under this article as follows:

   1. (1) if the child does not contest the charge, a justice or judge shall divert the case under this article without the child having to enter a plea; or
   2. (2) if the child contests the charge, a justice or judge shall divert the case under this article at the conclusion of trial on a finding of guilt without entering a judgment of conviction as provided by Article 45A.251.
2. (b) A diversion under this article may not exceed 180 days.
3. (c) The terms of a diversion agreement under this article must be in writing and may include any of the diversion strategies described by Article 45A.505.
4. (d) The case of a child who successfully complies with the terms of a diversion agreement under this article shall be closed and reported as successful to the court.
5. (e) A child who does not comply with the terms of a diversion agreement under this article shall be referred to court for a hearing under Article 45A.511.

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 204 (H.B. 1620), Sec. 5.027(a), eff. September 1, 2025.