Mission Statement

We are committed to providing cost efficient diversion options to Jefferson County that will determine the individualized services and programs needed to reduce the risk of recidivism and to provide restoration services to victims. Successful participation will result in avoiding criminal proceedings and eliminating criminal convictions and the negative effect of those convictions.

Our Vision

To Lead, Model, and Teach Positive Change

What is Diversion?

Pretrial Prosecutor Diversion is a voluntary agreement between the Prosecutor's office and the offender which provides alternative handling of the criminal charges filed against you. Rather than your case going through the entire criminal justice process, you have the opportunity to have your charges dismissed if you successfully complete the program by agreeing to remain law abiding and complete conditions such as participating in alcohol and/or drug, or other counseling, attending specific educational classes, paying restitution and fees, and engaging in community service work. Pretrial diversion helps defendants make significant changes in their lives and prevent further entry into the criminal justice system. The purpose of the program is to enhance justice and public safety by addressing the root cause of the behavior that resulted in your charges being filed, reducing the stigma which accompanies having a criminal conviction, restoring victims and assisting with the conservation of court and criminal justice resources. No information gathered by participation in a diversion program will be admissible as evidence in the diverted case or in any subsequent civil, criminal or administrative proceeding. At its most fundamental level, the purpose of diversion is to redirect justice-involved individuals from traditional case processing while still holding them accountable for their behavior.

What Happens When I Report?

Your diversion will be supervised by Court Services' Pretrial Services Diversion department. When you report to Court Services you will complete an intake form and be given an intake appointment. At the intake appointment you will be given a realm of assessments, a drug screen, and your picture will be taken. The expectations of the program will be explained to you and you will be scheduled an appointment with your case manager who will work with you in the development of your intervention plan.

What is a Diversion Intervention Plan? 

Your intervention plan will consist of the programming you will need to complete during your diversion period and is based upon your level of need identified in the assessments given during your intake appointment. You will have input as to what program(s) you believe will best help you not commit future crimes and address the problems that led you to the criminal justice system. Once the elements of your intervention plan are complete and the time of your diversion is over, notice will be sent to the Prosecutor's office.

Overall Goals of Diversion

• To promote positive behavior, and change through supportive services and monitoring of the offender.

• To provide early intervention and allow rehabilitative services to be provided in an attempt to correct behavior that led to the offense.

• To reduce recidivism.

Successful Completion: 

The success of the program relies heavily on the mindset of the offenders going through the process. If the offender complies with all terms of his or her diversion agreement and commits no new criminal offense during the length of agreement, the case is dismissed. Participants benefit by receiving the services necessary to avoid repeat offenses and avoiding negative consequences associated with a criminal conviction.

Unsuccessful Completion:

You can withdraw from the diversion program voluntarily at any time prior to completion and choose to have your case go through the criminal justice process.

Pretrial Services has the right to terminate service delivery or recommend termination from the program if you do not comply with your intervention plan. If this determination is made, your case will be referred back to the Court for further criminal justice proceedings. 

Reasons for termination include:

• Commission of a new offense.
• Failure to attend programming, appointments or treatment.
• Arriving for appointments under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Violating the terms of the Diversion Agreement. 
• Willful non-payment of fees.

Fees

The Court fees associated with your diversion will be outlined in your diversion agreement. Those fees are to be paid to the Clerk's office. The fee will need to be paid in full by the due date outlined in your diversion agreement. If fees are not paid, the Court will set your case for a hearing.

Court Services fees include:

• Community Service fees are $2.00 per hour paid to Court Services.
• Drug Screen fees are $5.00 ($25.00 for lab confirmation if needed) to be paid to Court Services.

We understand the financial stress of our participants and we will work with you in payment of your fees. At the beginning of your supervision, you will sign a fee agreement so you will have a clear understanding of all your fees. You will also have an opportunity to sign a voluntary wage assignment if you wish to do so. Your fees will need to be paid in full in order to fulfill your diversion agreement.

Treatment fees: Court Services Partners with LifeSpring and Centerstone for treatment services. You are responsible for payment of services to these agencies, but you may be eligible for Recovery Works assistance with payment of services. You can be referred to Recovery Works by the jail counselor of your case manager.

Services Available

Centerstone and LifeSpring and a number of other treatment providers partner with Court Services for substance abuse treatment services. These services include: in-patient and out-patient services, relapse prevention, recovery coaching, family and individual counseling, and mental health services. If you are referred to an agency, they will complete a variety of assessments and provide a treatment recommendation. The agency will work with your case manager on your treatment progress.

Employment, Education and Life Skills Services. Court Services partners with River Valley Resources to deliver employment services through the Rural Works program. RVR and the Clearinghouse also provide holistic services for self-sufficiency goals. 

Court Services provides many cognitive based programs that are listed on the Court Services Programs and Services page. The calendar of classes page details the days and times they meet. Diversion participants are only required to pay the book fee for those classes.

 Benefits of Diversion

• Dismissal of criminal charges to avoid negative consequences of having a criminal record.
• Opportunity for treatment/education
• Correct anti-social behaviors that lead to offenses
• Opportunity to pay court ordered child support and restitution