The Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office will continue its Traffic Diversion Program after a successful 2025 pilot, offering eligible drivers a way to resolve minor traffic citations outside the court system.
The program emphasizes education and accountability while reducing strain on court resources. It is offered case‑by‑case to drivers with little or no criminal history who commit minor traffic violations.
State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel said the program helps hold offenders accountable while giving otherwise law‑abiding drivers a chance to correct mistakes and reinforce safer driving habits.
Participants must complete an approved driver‑safety course. Once finished, the citation is dismissed—avoiding a conviction and potential insurance increases—while allowing the justice system to focus on more serious cases.
So far, 372 drivers have completed the program (76% of all participants). Another 36 are currently enrolled, and 78 cases are pending review.
Eligible drivers are notified during the State’s Attorney’s citation review process.
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