Misdemeanor Diversion Program

A new diversion program in Durham County is giving first-time youth offenders the opportunity to keep certain crimes off their records. The Durham County Misdemeanor Diversion Program is being offered to 16- and 17-year-olds facing charges for minor misdemeanor crimes for the first time. Teens charged with crimes related to firearms, traffic or sex offenses are not eligible to participate. The new program will require participants to complete community service and successfully meet other conditions in exchange for keeping a criminal conviction off their permanent adult record. If a participant fails to meet all of the requirements set by the court, they could be formally arrested and charged with the original crime. For additional information about the Misdemeanor Diversion Program, see recent coverage from The Herald-Sun and The News & Observer, or call program coordinator Kelly Andrews at 919-560-8292.