What is the Check Diversion Program? Since 1990, Bridgeway Center, Inc. in partnership with the Office of the State Attorney has provided a diversionary program for worthless check offenders which provides an alternative to prosecution. The Check Diversion Program is designed to obtain restitution and a service fee for the merchant. If the offender complies with all conditions of the program, the case will be closed with no further action. If the offender fails to comply with the requirements of the program, the case is referred for possible criminal prosecution.

How Does it Work? The offender must provide proof that they have paid restitution for the check(s) to the merchant/victim. They must also pay a diversion fee of $55, $60, or $70 depending upon the face amount of the check. Upon contact with Bridgeway Center, the Check Diversion Coordinator will assist you in making restitution and providing all the information you need to successfully complete the program. The Check Diversion Program can give you an extension of the time to pay restitution and the processing fee. However, you must make contact and come into the office to sign the extension requests.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for the Program? A letter is sent to you from the State Attorney's office. You have two to three weeks to make contact with Bridgeway Center, Inc. Please do not delay in contacting Bridgeway Center. Once the case has been returned for non-compliance, you may no longer be eligible for the program.

If I Make Restitution, Do I Still Have to Pay the Diversion Fee? Yes, The diversion fee pays for the program. You are still required to pay the diversion fee in addition to making restitution.

The Check Diversion Program Has Four Main Goals:

1. Increase the amount of restitution paid to victims for returned checks.
2. Increase the accountability of worthless check offenders.
3. Promote to local merchants more effective check acceptance and protection procedures.
4. Reduce the risk of repeat Worthless Check activity through education.

Three Scenarios Are Possible:

1. You comply with all conditions of the program and no further action is taken.
2. You contact the Check Diversion Program and complete partial compliance. The non-compliant cases are returned to the State Attorney's office for possible prosecution.
3. You do not contact the Check Diversion program and all cases are returned to the the State Attorney's office for possible prosecution.

When Merchants Should Contact Law Enforcement Officers:

1. Counterfeit Check(s)
2. Altered Check(s)
3. Forged Check(s)
4. Stolen Check(s)
5. Checking Account Opened Using Fraudulent Information

Merchants / Victims Receiving a bad check for goods or services can be more than an inconvenience. You've suffered an immediate financial loss. The Check Diversion Program is designed to obtain restitution and a service for you, the complainant. This is accomplished without processing the case through the criminal justice system. Click here to review the steps you need to take and to obtain the forms required to bring a check to the State Attorney's office for prosecution.

After you have presented a worthless check to the State Attorney's office, the paperwork is reviewed for completion and accuracy. The writer's criminal history is examined to determine whether he/she will be allowed to participate in the Check Diversion Program or will be referred directly for possible prosecution.