Fourteen people graduated this month from the DeKalb County Solicitor's Jobs Not Jail diversion program. The 12-month program gives misdemeanor offenders between 17 and 24 with little to no criminal history a second chance after being arrested for a variety of charges including prostitution, disorderly conduct, shoplifting and trespassing. Participants spend one year in counseling and completing education, job training and community service in order to have the opportunity to see their criminal case dismissed and expunged.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez