Everyone has basic rights under the US Constitution and civil rights laws. The ACLU empowers people to understand what their rights are, how to exercise them, and what to do if their rights are violated. The ACLU offers general guides about peaceful protest rights and risks that can come with law enforcement contact. This specialized guide offers additional information for people who are under supervision (in diversion, on probation/parole, participants in a problem-solving court). There are thousands of youths and adults in Nebraska under supervision and persistent racial disparities exist at every stage of the criminal justice system.
WHAT IS PRETRIAL DIVERSION?
Juvenile pretrial diversion programs are rooted in the fact that some cases are better handled through an informal, non-court process. Juvenile pretrial diversion is a voluntary program available to youth charged with an offense. Youth are referred to a pretrial diversion program by the prosecutor (the county or city attorney) who determines eligibility. Participation diverts the youth from the juvenile justice system into a program that includes a continuum of requirements and services. Juvenile pretrial diversion can be a positive alternative to juvenile court and can provide access to treatment and services and a better outcome. Successful completion of juvenile pretrial diversion program is dismissal or non-filing of the case, which minimizes the risk of a record and collateral consequences later related to education, employment, housing, etc.
WHAT IS ADULT DIVERSION?
Some counties have a pretrial diversion program for some people who have been charged with a crime for the first time or people charged with certain lower-level crimes. If you voluntarily enter diversion based on an offer from the county or city attorney you may be subject to screening, background checks, fees or restitution, community service, educational classes, or treatment programs. You also cannot be convicted of any additional offenses. The length, or term, for a diversion program is generally about six months, but can be up to one year in length. If you do not comply with the terms of pretrial diversion, the original case can be refiled. Successful completion of diversion leads to dismissal or non-filing of the case, which minimizes the risk of a record and collateral consequences later related to education, employment, housing, etc.
WHAT IS PROBATION?
Probation is a sentencing option and alternative to jail ordered by a judge instead of or in addition to a jail sentence. While on probation, you serve time in the community under the supervision of the probation department instead of in jail. During this time you remain under the court’s supervision and a probation officer has the authority to notify the court if you violate of the conditions of your probation, which can have serious legal consequences. Typical conditions of probation include refraining from further law violations, meeting with probation officers, refraining from the use of drugs and alcohol, being subject to drug or alcohol tests, paying fees/restitution, and completing education and/or treatment programs. Probation can include terms of post-release supervision, or a type of probation supervision that you are subject to after you are released from jail or prison for certain low-level felonies. Probation also describes a suspended sentence, or a term of “deferred judgement probation” in which a judge might place you on probation, but order that the case be dismissed when you successfully complete probation.
WHAT IS PAROLE?
The words probation and parole are frequently used interchangeably when, in fact, they are not the same thing. Parole always follows a period of incarceration in a state or federal prison. The Board of Parole decides whether someone may be released into the community after they have served the minimum portion of their sentence. Once released, that person is then supervised by a parole officer. Violations of parole are dealt with by the Board of Parole and can carry serious consequences.
WHAT ARE PROBLEM SOLVING COURTS?
These specialized court programs operate in district, county or juvenile courts and include programs established for the treatment of problems related to substance use, mental health, for veterans, for young people, individuals reentering the community from incarceration, and domestic violence. Problem-Solving Courts are post plea or post-adjudicatory intensive supervision treatment programs. The purpose of the programs is to reduce recidivism by fostering a comprehensive and coordinated court response using early intervention, appropriate treatment, intensive supervision, and consistent judicial oversight. Problem-Solving Courts in Nebraska operate under a team approach where a judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, coordinator, community supervision officer, law enforcement, and treatment provider(s) work together to design an individualized program. Compliance with treatment and court orders is verified by frequent alcohol/drug testing, close community supervision with home or field visits, may include conditions of curfews or associating with others and responding to requests from law enforcement.
WHAT IF I AM UNDER 19 WHEN I AM PROTESTING?
You are legally considered an adult at age 19 in Nebraska. In some cases, people who are under 19 when they are arrested will be held in separate facilities for youth, tried in a separate juvenile court, receive different kinds of sentences, may be subject to curfews, and may need a parent/guardian to come forward before they are released. However, Nebraskans as young as 14 years old may be charged and tried as adults for felony offenses and Nebraskans under the age of 16 may be charged and tried as adults for misdemeanor offenses.
WHAT IF I AM UNDER SUPERVISION (IN DIVERSION OR ON PROBATION) WHEN I AM PROTESTING?
If you are on supervision of any kind, you should know that additional law enforcement contact carries special risks. Historically and very recently, people peacefully protesting have been met with aggressive police tactics and many times found themselves under arrest. Any additional arrest can risk the positive benefits of your probation, parole, or diversion programs. If you are under supervision, you should discuss these issues with your probation officer and your attorney to learn more about their perspectives. Remember that you have many options to peacefully express yourself in ways that can limit or eliminate the risk of additional law enforcement contact.
Additionally, depending on the terms and conditions of your program, your right to protest may be limited by some conditions of your supervision. For instance, you may be subject to a curfew or you may be subject to a condition that requires you to consent to questioning by law enforcement or to be subject to search and seizure by law enforcement. Your right to protest may be limited more than others not under supervision. If you are arrested while engaging in peaceful protest, you should contact your attorney and then your probation/parole officer right away.
WHAT ARE OTHER WAYS TO SPEAK OUT WITHOUT RISKING SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT/ARREST?
Generally, you have the right to free speech while under supervision. Protest and peaceful expression can take many forms beyond peaceful protest in public spaces and still make a positive difference. You can consider some of these tools to let your point of view be known and limit your risk of contact with law enforcement and losing the ability to participate in diversion or probation. Here are some examples:
- Speak out online
- Contact elected officials
- Write and submit letters to editor
- Express yourself artistically and creatively.
