Program

• The Check Diversion program assists in reducing the docket for the Escambia County court system.
• Offenders are required to make restitution to victims and pay the appropriate fees. This process often precludes offenders from court proceedings.  
• Check Diversion works with the State Attorney to provide documentation of completion of restitution and court fines.

Fees

• Administrative fee: $50 per month
• State Attorney fee per check: $25-40 per check
• Reinstatement fee to Check Diversion: $35

Money orders, Visa or MasterCard credit cards are accepted for all fees from 8:00 am through 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Process

• Defendants will be given written and verbal instructions as to the process for clearing their checks with the appropriate business, individual or agency. The check diversion officer will also maintain a list of the checks, payments and due dates for payments.
• Defendants will report monthly, or as needed, to their officer. 
• When defendants are placed in the Check Diversion Program, the court withholds sentencing and allows defendants to make restitution and pay their fine in order to have their charges dropped.