WHAT IS AN INFORMAL HEARING?
An informal hearing is conducted by a Hearing Officer not a Judge.  The complaint against you is held and not processed in formal Court.  The Hearing Officer meets with you and your parents to discuss the incident.

WHAT IF THE CHARGE IS INCORRECT – I DENY THE CHARGE?
Only Juveniles who admit to the charge are handled in an informal hearing.  If a Juvenile denies the charge, it must be heard in a formal Court in front of the Judge.

CAN I HAVE AN ATTORNEY?
You may seek legal advice from an attorney to determine whether you want to participate in the Diversion Program.  However, in order to enter the program, you must admit to the charges against you and legal negotiation (“plea bargaining”) is not available.  Furthermore, once you enter the program, no attorney, including the Prosecuting Attorney, participates.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME IN THE HEARING?
The Diversion Officer has the authority to set rules during the monitoring period.  These may include curfew, ordered away from certain individuals, ordered to attend school, follow rules at home, community work hours, essays and other orders as specified.

WHAT IF I DON’T FOLLOW THE RULES? 
The charge will automatically be filed into Formal Court and you will be seen by the Judge.

WILL I BE ON PROBATION?
You will be monitored by the Diversion Hearing Officer.  This monitoring period is for a set period of time and you will report to him/her directly.

WILL I HAVE A JUVENILE RECORD?
NO!  The charge is held, and if all conditions during the monitoring period are met, the charge stays on the informal file and no juvenile record is made.

WHAT IF I NEED HELP IN OTHER AREAS?
The Diversion Officer coordinates services needed by juveniles.  This may include counseling, tutoring, medical service, and/or referrals to community agencies.

ARE THERE FEES INVOLVED WITH DIVERSION? 
If the Juvenile admits to the charge and agrees to participate in the Diversion program, a mandatory fee of $77.00 is due at the time of your Initial Hearing.  This fee is to be paid by cash, money order or debit/credit card.  CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT.

Programs ordered through Diversion may have additional fees associated with them.  These fees, if applicable, will be addressed and explained during the Initial Hearing process.