Diversion Program
Program Overview
The Athens County Municipal Court's Underage Drinker's Diversion Program is a 90-day program designed as an alternative to criminal prosecution for first time offenders. The eligible charges for this program are Underage Consumption of Alcohol, Underage Possession of Alcohol, False ID, and Disorderly Conduct by Intoxication. The benefits of the program are that no plea is taken and, at the successful finish of all elements of diversion, the case is dismissed and the record expunged.
The elements of the program are:
Fees & Costs
The Diversion Program fee is $195; court costs, which includes the sealing / expungement fee, are $124. That $319 must be paid by the 90th day of the program. We would prefer to have the costs paid by the 60th day, but that rule is not hard and fast.
Alcohol Education
There are two alcohol classes in Athens that were designed for this program. They are Flores and Associates, 11 East Washington Street, 2nd floor (CASEP Program), and Health Recovery Services (SAAMCO Program). We have a list of agencies statewide that have been approved for use with our Diversion Program. Generally, a class offered by a university or college is accepted; however, we do not use the Prime for Life or Basics Program offered at Ohio University. If unsure about the acceptability of any program, an email to the diversion officer will answer your question.
These programs are kept small and fill up fast. The earlier you find and contact an agency, the better choice you'll have of dates. By far, the biggest reason for failure of this program is not arranging for the class early enough. Call now and reserve a place in a class.
Reading Assignment
The required reading, Koren Zailckas' "Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood", can be bought in any bookstore, retail outlet, or online. There are eighteen questions about the book on this site; please choose six and answer them. The questions and answers can be handwritten, typed, mailed, emailed, faxed, or handed in at the window or on your workday.
Ninety Day Period of Good Behavior
The program is ninety days long. All elements of the program must be completed by the 90th day. All elements. There are no extensions to the program. A receipt for a class is not proof of completion of the class. Failure to finish or a second offense during this ninety day period will remove you from this program and put you back at square one, facing a first degree misdemeanor charge.
If all elements of the program have been completed by the final day and proof has been provided to the court, you do not have to appear in court on that date.
Point of Contact
The Diversion Officer is Mary Norwood. She is easily available by
email. Her phone number is (740) 566-4201. Email is by far the more efficient way to reach her. She may be contacted for any issue regarding this program.
