The Diversion Program, administered by the National Safety Council, Nebraska, is a voluntary program that offers a one-time chance for a person charged with certain crimes to avoid having a criminal conviction on their record. Anyone who wants to take advantage of this opportunity must meet the Program's eligibility criteria and agree to abide by all Diversion Program terms and conditions. The Program is entirely voluntary. No one may be required to participate under any circumstances. This Program allows you to avoid criminal charges and court appearances if you are willing to comply with all required terms and conditions.
Participants receive an Invitation Letter in the mail. Based on a preliminary review of your case, the City Prosecutor or County Attorney has determined that you are eligible to participate in the Diversion Program through the National Safety Council, Nebraska.
You are NOT eligible for the diversion program if you have ever taken any type of diversion program before, with the exception of traffic classes. If, in Nebraska or any other state, you have a previous misdemeanor conviction, another charge pending, have taken juvenile diversion, or have been in any other diversion programs, you are NOT eligible for the program and should appear on your court date. If you fail to appear in court as required, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
To enroll on-line, you must follow the instructions on the Invitation Letter to access the Diversion Program Portal. You may enroll in person at the National Safety Council, Nebraska, located at 3111 Oak View Drive, Omaha, NE 68144. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You will be provided a Program Agreement Form with specific diversion requirements outlined. After you have fully read and signed the Program Agreement Form, you will be enrolled in the Diversion Program.
Based on the offense, the diversion program could last from 6 to 12 months.
Program participants are expected to pay a program fee of $260 (for Level 1) offenses, $340 (for Level 2) offenses or $660 (for Felony) offenses to cover the cost of administering the program. Random drug tests are an additional self-pay fee.
Based on the offense, individuals must complete at least 12 hours up to 72 hours of community service at pre-determined, charitable, non-profit organizations. Based on the criminal offense, individuals will attend either an Alcohol/Drug/MIP, Decision-making, or Life Skills classes either at the National Safety Council, Nebraska facility or at an off-site location. Participants must also submit to random drug testing within 48 hours of notification by National Safety Council, Nebraska staff.
If you are charged and/or convicted of another minor offense, other than a traffic offense, while in the Diversion Program or have charges pending at the time of your scheduled program completion date, you will be terminated from the Diversion Program and recited for the original offense. Failure to do so will result in a warrant for your arrest.
After completing the program successfully the Courthouse is notified. You may request a Program Completion Certificate if needed.