November 12, 2002

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough,

720-913-9025

Juveniles accepted for Diversion

Two of three juveniles charged with burglary and criminal mischief in connection with a break-in at Smoky Hill High School last summer have been accepted into the Denver District Attorney’s Office Juvenile Diversion program.

Mark Owens (DOB: 5-1-86) and Nicholas Giardina (DOB: 4-4-85) were originally charged as juveniles and were determined to be eligible for the diversion program.

The Juvenile Diversion Program works with eligible first-time juvenile offenders as an alternative to the criminal justice process.  Juveniles participate in the program with their parents beginning with a formal intake process.  This 2-to-3 hour process includes signing an accountability contract that will specify the ways the juvenile will repair the harm caused by their crime to the victim, the community and themselves.

While each diversion client has their own accountability contract, the elements can include:

A minimum of 30 hours of community service

Restitution

Letters of apology

Participation in a community accountability board (face to face meeting with those affected by the crime)

Parent support group

Mediation

Cognitive-behavioral skill training

Victim impact class

Monitoring of school performance, drug/alcohol screening and other treatment

The diversion program lasts from 6 months up to 3 years for juveniles; the average length of time is about 9 months.

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*The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed a crime(s) under Colorado laws.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  See Colo. RPC 3.6 ____________