This report on the first 2 years of a projected 3-year project describes an attempt to use counseling and job placement to divert some arrestees from possible jail sentences. Arrestees who meet the criteria for acceptance into the program are granted a 90-day continuance, during which time the staff representative, who is an ex-offender himself, attempts to help the participant find a job or enter a training program. If successful, the representative asks the judge to dismiss charges, preventing the participant from having a criminal record. Out of the first 850 participants, 39 percent had their charges dismissed and only 13 percent were arrested while active in the project. The legal system proved to be quite optimistic about the project, even though more than 3 months was needed in some cases. (BH)