The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with city of Asbury Park Municipal Court, is bringing the Recovery Diversion Program to Asbury Park to provide substance use resources to support municipal court defendants.
Instead of traditional prosecution, non-violent, low-level offenders suffering from a substance abuse disorder will be offered a road to recovery through the RDP. The program, which takes between 12 weeks and six months depending on treatment recommendations, was created by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office to combat early substance abuse, decrease stigma surrounding addiction and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community. For those that successfully complete the program, the Municipal Court Prosecutor will make a motion before the Municipal Court Judge for dismissal of charges and expedited expungement, if applicable.
“We are committed to helping individuals who want and need treatment and resources to become productive members of society. To that end, we are grateful for our partnership with the city of Asbury Park in the implementation of this program,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said.
“We are pleased to be able to offer the Recovery Diversion Program to eligible defendants,” said Asbury Park Municipal Court Administrator Joanne Pilliod, “The program offers defendants in need of drug and/or mental health treatment the opportunity to have the charges against them dismissed if they seek the help they need.”
“Following a successful pilot program in Long Branch, we’re confident the program will benefit eligible low-level offenders in Asbury Park with substance abuse disorders by connecting them with recovery specialists,” City Manager Donna Vieiro said. “We’re grateful to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for providing this opportunity and look forward to working with them to make it a success.”
“We’re thankful to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for bringing this life-changing program to Asbury Park and to Asbury Park Municipal Court for providing their full support towards the program,” Mayor John Moor said.“The health and well-being of our community continues to be a priority at City Hall.”
For more information, and to find out how to participate in the Recovery Diversion Program, contact Asbury Park Municipal Court at 732-775-1765.
