The Pre-prosecution Diversion (PPD) Program, as set out by NMSA 1978 §31-16A-1 (Pre-prosecution Diversion Act), was enacted “.....to remove those persons from the criminal justice system who are most amenable to rehabilitation and least likely to commit future offenses, to provide those persons with services designed to assist them in avoiding future criminal activity, to conserve community and criminal justice resources....”
The Junior District Attorney Program is designed to develop a range of skills, boost participants’ confidence, and inspire career aspirations. By engaging youth in a proactive and meaningful way, where they observe and experience the operation of the criminal justice system firsthand and interact with attorneys, law enforcement, judges, and other criminal justice professionals, they can build relationships that will benefit future job searches and career advice.