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DTOP Program
The Delta County Deferred Traffic Offender Program (DTOP) for adolescents has been designed in conjunction with the Delta County Court to afford youth an opportunity to have the prosecution of traffic offenses for which they are accused deferred for a period of time pending the outcome of the deferral period. Youth who are referred to the DTOP by the Delta County Court are found suitable for placement in the Program based upon the following criteria:
- An offense, which does not constitute a Class 1 or 2-misdemeanor traffic offense (such offenses will be processed through the Delta County Juvenile Diversion Program if the Court deems appropriate);
- Youth ages 15 - 17; or of such age at time of alleged offense(s);
- Youth who are first-time traffic violators OR WHO HAVE NOT HAD a deferral granted for previous violations
- Youth who are not on probation, parole, or other court supervision for criminal activity.
Youth found suitable for placement into the Deferred Traffic Offender Program are subject to compliance to all conditions of supervision during the deferral period. The youth and parent/legal guardian shall sign a Contract of Competencies at intake or if individual has reached age of majority prior to intake parent /guardian not required to attend intake. Compliance to the Contract of Competencies resulting in successful discharge from the Program will result in the traffic offense(s) for which the youth was referred, remitted back to the Court for dismissal of the traffic offense(s) with prejudice. A successful discharge with prejudice will forever bar reinstatement of the traffic offense(s). This will allow the youth an opportunity to avoid formal sanctions of the Court, dependent upon the severity of the traffic offense(s), therefore avoiding such outcomes as points against a driver’s license, an increase in insurance rates, greater monetary fines, suspension of license, etc. However, if the youth fails to comply with the Contract of Competencies, the case will be remanded back to the Court for formal prosecution of the traffic offense(s), thus resulting in the possibility of more severe sanctions, described herein.