If you were given a notice by a police officer to contact the Washington County Diversion Program within 15 days, please call 802-479-1900.

The Youth Substance Awareness and Safety Program addresses civil violations of the underage possession of alcohol and marijuana laws. 

1. "minor(s) misrepresenting age, procuring, possessing or consuming liquors" (7 V.S.A. § 656)
2. "marijuana possession by a person under 21 years of age, one ounce or less" (18 V.S.A. § 4230b).

Law enforcement officers issue a Notice of Violation and refer youth to the local Court Diversion Program in the county in which the incident occurs. A ticket is written on behalf of the individual and sent to the local Diversion Program for processing. The participant is required, by law, to have an alcohol  and drug screening/assessment and then given other educational, remedial, reflective and financial conditions to complete.

If the participant completes the conditions the ticket is voided. If the participant fails to complete the conditions or refuses to participate in the program, the ticket is activated with the Vermont Judicial Bureau. If found guilty of the violation, the penalty is a $300 fine and 90-day suspension of driving privileges. Subsequent penalties are a $600 fine and a 180-day suspension of driving privileges.  This violation is recorded on permanent motor vehicle records which could result in vehicle insurance rate increases.