If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Nebraska you are likely concerned about the consequences of that arrest becoming a conviction. Along with the sentence handed down by a judge, a conviction can also come with a plethora of negative non-judicial consequences as well. With that in mind, you may be wondering “Can I get a diversion program if I don’t have a record?” Only an experienced Nebraska criminal defense attorney can provide you with specific advice and guidance regarding your case; however, some general information about diversion programs in Nebraska may be beneficial as well.
If you have been charged with a relatively minor offense, meaning a non-violent misdemeanor, the odds are fairly good that you will not be sentenced to spend any time in jail if you are ultimately convicted of the offense; however, no one wants to take that chance if there is an alternative! In addition, the non-judicial ramifications of a criminal conviction can be more damaging to your life than the actual sentence handed down by the judge. A few of the potential consequences of a criminal conviction include:
- Loss of your driving privileges
- Termination from current employment
- Disqualification from future employment
- Ineligibility for student loans
- Professional disciplinary action
- Interference with custody or visitation with minor children
If you are eligible, completing a diversion program is one way to ensure that you never face these potential consequences.
Diversion programs are intended to provide people charged with minor crimes the opportunity to avoid a conviction upon successful completion of the diversion program. Although diversion program completion requirements vary by county, most adult diversion programs are 18 months long with six of those months being considered “active.” If you complete all diversion program requirements and remain out of trouble for the last 12 months your original charge will be dismissed and you will not have a conviction on your record.
Eligibility requirement for a diversion program also vary by county; however, the following are some common requirements:
- Current offense must be a misdemeanor or less serious felony
- Current offense must be a non-violent offense
- Victim must consent (if applicable)
- You cannot have participated in a diversion program in the past
- Clean criminal history
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Nebraska and would like to find out if you qualify for a diversion program, contact Petersen Criminal Defense Law 24 hours a day at 402-509-8070 to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney.