THE ANOKA COUNTY PRE-CHARGE DIVERSION PROGRAM (ALSO REFERRED TO AS PCD) PROVIDES INDIVIDUALS AN OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP A CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD AND CONNECTS THE DEFENDANT WITH APPROPRIATE SERVICES. IT HOLDS THE DEFENDANT ACCOUNTABLE FOR VIOLATING THE LAW, BUT IT DOESNT UNDULY PUNISH A DEFENDANT THROUGH UNINTENDED, LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES. IT ENCOURAGES THE DEFENDANT TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE WITHIN THE SOCIAL NORMS OF THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDES A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE DEFENDANTS ARE TYPICALLY FIRST-TIME OFFENDERS WHOSE FORMAL CHARGE IS SOMETHING OTHER THAN A CRIME AGAINST A PERSON. THE DEFENDANTS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND ARE MONITORED BY PROBATION TO ENSURE DEFENDANTS COMPLETE THE REQUIRED CONDITIONS. IF THEY CAN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE REQUIRED CONDITIONS, THE CASE IS NOT FORMALLY CHARGED, AND DEFENDANTS KEEP THEIR RECORD FREE FROM CRIMINAL CHARGES AND CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS.