Diversion Services
First Judicial District Attorney's Office
Serving Jefferson and Gilpin Counties
Remington Building
11011 W. 6th Avenue
Suite 200
Lakewood, CO 80215-5501
720-497-7800
Diversion Services offers an alternative to traditional prosecution for non-violent, adult and juvenile criminal offenders. The various programs are designed to enhance community safety by holding offenders accountable for their actions through a supervised, well-structured program. In addition, Diversion Services seeks to help offenders gain life skills that will assist them in becoming positive members of the community.
One of Diversion Service's goals is to hold offenders accountable for their actions. In 2009, the three programs collected a total of $865,454.898 in restitution and fees from their clients. Utilizing fourteen full time staff and twelve volunteer staff Diversion on average supervised 950 clients a month.
One very important tool diversion officers employ is a Victim Empathy Group for the Adult Diversion Program. Different criminal acts are identified and defined. Clients hear from victims of these crimes. Their last session is three former prison inmates, who each served lengthy prison sentences, telling their stories. Beginning with what their life was like prior their offense all the way to arrest, prison and the rebuilding phase.
Although Diversion and probation appear similar, there are major differences in the programs. Defendants sentenced to probation have a conviction (adult) or adjudication (juvenile) at the end of their probationary period, even if they have complied with the terms and conditions of their program. However, Diversion clients' cases are dismissed if they successfully complete their program. Diversion tends to be a more rigorous program that requires the client to commit more time and effort to its completion while also focusing on accountability to the community.
Diversion Services offers several programs in the various areas of the criminal justice system, including the Adult Diversion Program, the Juvenile Diversion Program, the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Program, and Community Volunteers.
The First Judicial District Attorney's Diversion Program is located at the District Attorney's office at 500 Jefferson County Parkway, in Golden (map).
Links to Additional Information:
Mission Statement
Adult Diversion Program
Juvenile Diversion Program
Domestic Misdemeanor Program
Volunteer Opportunities
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Last Modified: Feb 22, 2010 07:16 PM
