Our Purpose:
The Juvenile Diversion Program provides a platform for youth to change behavior and accept responsibility for their actions. Diversion is a court alternative program. Once the youth successfully completes the program, they can then move forward in life without a juvenile record that might otherwise damage future opportunities.
Juvenile – Criminal Charges
All youth eligible for Diversion are referred to the program by a Pennington County Deputy State’s Attorney. Eligibility for Diversion is based on state law, the nature of the crime committed and prior history. A needs assessment interview is conducted with the youth and parents/guardians to determine needs and set goals. The youth and parents will sign a contract and must also accept responsibility for the charge. Upon successful completion of the requirements on their individualized contract, their charge will be closed.
Teen Court
Teen Court is an unofficial court proceeding where a participant’s charges are presented to a jury of their peers by teen volunteer attorneys. The peer jury then decides a constructive disposition based on the mitigating and aggravating circumstances of the case. Teen Court is a program offered under the Juvenile Diversion Program umbrella.
Teen Court is a "second chance" for those youth (14-17 y/o) who, while they have made some poor choices, have little or no previous offenses. Hopefully, after the Teen Court experience, the youth will stay free of the court system.
Upon successful completion of the program, the offender's case will not be formally charged.
Teen Court FAQ's
Offending Youth
- Referred by the State’s Attorney to the Diversion program.
Volunteers
- Teen Volunteers are trained to perform the roles of attorneys, bailiffs, court clerks, jurors, exit officers, and more. A Teen Advisory Committee provides feedback and assists staff in decision-making and program planning.
- Adult Volunteers may perform roles such as Judges and Jury Monitors, as well as volunteer recruitment and training, publicity, and assistance in overall programming. If interested in volunteering, please contact the Juvenile Diversion Coordinator.
130 Kansas City St. Rapid City, SD 57701
Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office
605-791-1671
Juvenile - Traffic
Our community is significantly safer when drivers operate their vehicles within the parameters of the law. Young drivers experience higher rates of distracted driving, failure to scan traffic, and speeding. Paying a fine does not help improve safe decision making when operating a motor vehicle.
The Traffic Diversion program is an opportunity for drivers, who accept responsibility for their citation and with limited violation history, to refamiliarize themselves with the traffic laws through participation in an online driving review class or other requirements based on the youth’s charge. Upon successful completion the citation will be dismissed.
A judge or law enforcement officer might recommend that you contact the State’s Attorney’s Office regarding the Diversion program. Your citation will only be approved for Diversion after a thorough review of your driving history and criminal justice involvement.
PreCharge Traffic Program – you may receive a phone call from our office regarding your ability to participate in the PreCharge Traffic Program.
Please contact our office at 605-791-1671 to learn more about Juvenile Diversion, Teen Court, or the Traffic Diversion programs.
