Thanks to a pretrial diversion bill passed in the state legislature this year, local municipalities have more leeway in their punishment for misdemeanor offenses, and the town of Brantley is taking advantage of the law.

Court Clerk Davina Mount said it’s basically for traffic cases, driving under the influence and drug-related cases.

“Anybody can apply,” she said. “But if you have CDLs, you are not allowed.”

For those who apply for pretrial diversion in lieu of having a trial or entering into a guilty plea, they must:

• Pay a $50 application fee, which is non-refundable;

• Complete the requirements ordered by the court.

Mount said the requirements could be driving school, drug or alcohol court referral program, mental health counseling or treatment, random drug screen, a job, completion of high school, college, job training, trade school or adult basic education classes, anger management, community service or an evaluation by the department of human resources.

Those who participate in a rehabilitative program will be responsible for the costs, she said.

Once a person has completed the steps ordered by the court within the specified timeframe, the charges will be nolle prossqui, and they will not go against your record.

“It’s a good thing,” Mount said. “It allows (offenders) to keep points or charges off their record In turn, it keeps their insurance rates form going up.”

For more information, call (334) 634-0094.