In Weld County, a Juvenile Youth Diversion Program is one where a juvenile enters a program instead of having to face the charges that they have been charged with. In the news recently, a 10-year-old Colorado Springs boy was faced with a felony menacing charge after pointing a Nerf toy gun at a car. In this case, the boy tried to have the case dismissed, however the District Attorney continued with the charges so the child entered a Diversion Program. After supervision and classes, once he successfully completes the charges, they could be removed from his record. Here is another example of a timid police and child-like DA too scared to do the right thing and dismiss the case. We see it all too often as police and prosecutors fear criticism to their boss more than a conviction to do the right thing.
What is a Juvenile Youth Diversion Program in Greeley, Colorado?
The Juvenile Youth Diversion Program in Greeley, Colorado, Children’s Code (§ 19-1-103(44), C.R.S.) is defined as “a decision made by a person with authority or a delegate of that person in which the result is that a specific official action of the legal system is not taken against the youth in lieu of participating in individually designed services provided by a specific program.”
Simply put, this means that the legal charges are not brought against the accused minor, if there is a successful completion of the Diversion Program. The overall goal of one of these programs is to divert or reroute these youth from continually entering the juvenile justice system by rehabilitation.
Diversion Charges Can go Away in Weld County Juvenile Court
The felony menacing charge in the boy’s case above, was extreme, and could have had a lasting impact on his record, if he was convicted. By entering the Juvenile Diversion Program and then successfully completing the program, the teen was able to have the charges erased from his record.
In many cases, a Diversion program is not allowed by the DA, and it takes a seasoned defense attorney to make it happen. Police and prosecutors are scared that a “Victim” might complain to their superiors. In this fear-based environment, we see many teenagers faced with a permanent conviction or trial. Only a juvenile lawyer who has been involved in thousands of criminal cases knows the best course to take. Don’t let the government threaten a conviction if you don’t bow to their will. You have options and we can help in that process.
How Does a Weld County Attorney Help with a Diversion Program?
A Weld County Attorney can help navigate the juvenile justice system and help protect your child’s future. Juvenile delinquent cases are handled by the District Attorney’s (DA’s) office in Juvenile Court, while minor delinquency offenses can be handled in the City of Greeley Municipal Court. DA’s are directly involved in how cases are handled and whether the case is referred to a Diversion Program or not. Entering the juvenile system can have dire consequences on a child’s life and they may end up with a record that will impact their future. Having an experienced juvenile attorney who can navigate the juvenile system, fight for your child’s rights, and protect your child’s future is critical.
If you are the parent of a child under investigation by Greeley Police or a child charged in the Weld County court system, exercise your right to remain silent. Not speaking to the police does not hurt your case, but speaking to them can. Call our experienced lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office. 24/7, you can reach us at 970-616-6009, to meet with one of our attorneys here in Greeley, Colorado. Together, we can protect your child’s future.
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