Pretrial diversion offers option for Little 5 arrests

Along with the excitement of Little 500 festivities came a number of arrests. First-time offenders for underage consumption, public intoxication and possession of marijuana were offered the option of a pretrial diversion program as an alternative to traditional court procedure.\nOffenders were required to appear at the Justice Building, 301 N. College Ave., at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Failure to appear at the appointed time resulted in a warrant for arrest. Upon arrival in the morning, offenders could either contest the charge and request a regular trial date or to enter into the pretrial diversion program.\n"The program allows people to pay their debt to society while giving them an option to keep their record clean," said Monroe County Prosecutor Carl A. Salzmann.\nStudents could pay a mandatory $329 fine in cash or by money order or credit card, and then proceed to complete a half-day of community service road cleanup. Offenders also made an agreement not to commit any new offences within a year. Students were additionally required to attend an informational alcohol awareness class taking place Sunday. \n"The course is an informational way to teach students about the laws regarding alcohol and substance abuse," said Salzmann.\nStudents often do not know they can be charged with underage consumption even if they are not drunk. If they are under 21 and have had any alcohol, it is possible to be charged. \nThe stream of people passing through the jailhouse Sunday morning was similar in number to those of years past. Several hundred offenders were processed, said Salzmann, though the specific number was not available at press time.\nFor those who did not choose to enter the pretrial diversion program, the usual court procedures were available. According to the IU Student Legal Services Web site, it was advised that these students plead not guilty.\n"Even if you know that you are guilty of the charge, it is almost always a good idea to plead 'not guilty' at the initial hearing to give yourself, and your lawyer, a chance to work out a deal with the prosecutor," the SLS Web site explained.\nOne student, who preferred not to be identified, said she felt she was mistreated by the police. When she was asked to take a Breathalyzer, no one asked for her ID, though she is 21. She claimed the officers were making sexually offensive comments to her as she blew in the Breathalyzer. Later, she said, she was prevented from letting her friends know where she was, as her cell phone was taken from her.\nA variety of offenses and details remain to be settled for many students. Those who were arrested and were not offered the option of pretrial diversion soon will go to court. For some, the chance to keep their record clean has helped keep a single night from altering their future opportunities.\n-- Contact staff writer Tim Callahan at tmcallah@indiana.edu.