PITTSFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A western Illinois court program designed to keep minor offenses off of individuals’ criminal records is reporting early success.
Pike County State’s Attorney Zach Boren tells The (Quincy) Herald-Whig that all but one of the initial 16 participants completed the county’s diversion program in its first year.
The program replaces a teen court that had struggled to replace jury members who would move away for college.
Participants in the six-month diversion program must complete community service. They also pay a $100 fee along with a $50 contribution to drug prevention programs.
Those with prior criminal records other than traffic citations aren’t eligible. Boren said that each of the initial participants was charged with illegal possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor.
