Diversion Program

The Pretrial Services Misdemeanor Diversion Program offers misdemeanor offenders an alternative to formal prosecution. The Department of Pretrial Services currently operates a diversion program in the following counties:

Ballard, Boone, Calloway, Campbell, Carlisle, Fulton, Gallatin, Garrard, Harrison, Hickman, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Letcher, Lincoln, Marshall, Oldham, Pendleton, Pulaski, Rockcastle, and Wayne.

By resolving minor offenses outside of court, the court system can reduce the number of cases on its dockets and reserve its resources for more serious cases. The Diversion Program attempts to meet the individual needs of the offender while maintaining the confidence of the victim and the court.

The program is based on national standards developed by the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies. The pretrial officers who operate the Diversion Program have completed training related to alcohol and drug abuse, mental health issues, conflict management, case monitoring, victims' advocacy and customer service for social service professionals.