Seven first-time offenders recently graduated from the first anti-recidivism program through the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office.

D.A. Robert James started the program last year for offenders between 17 and 25 who were arrested on felony charges. Their cases were removed from court and into the program.

To qualify, each defendant had to make a year-long commitment to report to private probation, perform community service, undergo random alcohol/drug testing, abide by a curfew or electronic monitoring, pay restitution, attend 52 hours of behavior modification classes and enroll in school or a high-school diploma program.

The seven graduates all had their cases dismissed. They also may apply to have the cases permanently expunged from their criminal history.

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Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo