What to Know and Expect When In
The Court Diversion Program

Voluntary - You do not have to go through the Court Diversion Program if you don't want to.

Confidential - Court Diversion is confidential under Vermont Statute. We will not talk to anyone without your written permission. 

Our telephone lines are private and our telephone number is blocked from caller ID when we call you.  If your telephone will not accept calls from a private number, we will not be able to call you without unblocking our number first, so your telephone will display who is calling!

You Have the Right To Legal Representation - You may have
an attorney present (at your own cost) at any of your meetings if you choose.

First Time Offenders - Court Diversion is a Program for first time offenders only! 

If you have been in trouble in this state or any other state, had a diversion like sentence, been convicted in juvenile court, adult court or been on probation, you are not eligible for the program.

Clean Record - If you complete all the terms of your Diversion contract the criminal charge will be dismissed and your record will be sealed after two years or when you turn eighteen years old; whichever is sooner.

Expectations

You are expected to make a commitment to the program. When you are under contract you are expected to make Court Diversion a priority in your life.
You are expected to stay in touch with the program staff weekly once you have signed a contract. You will have an allocated case manager.
You should make all payments to the Court Diversion office in cash or cashiers check / money order (We do not accept personal checks!) payable to "Chittenden County Court Diversion". 
Do NOT send cash in the mail, we will not be held responsible if gets lost.
Ask for a receipt if one is not offered to you.
You must let the Court Diversion staff know if you move or if your telephone number changes.
When doing community service you must go to an established work site of ours, or come to an arrangement with your case managers approval.
We expect your fee to be paid by the evening of your Review Board Hearing for Diversion cases.
If you are not able to pay the fee within that time you must discuss it with your case manager to arrange a payment plan.