What is the Youthful Offender Program?
The Youthful Offender Program is an alternative disposition program offered in the criminal justice system and supported by most district justices. Those arrested for underage drinking or carrying a false identification card have the opportunity to take a series of classes that focus on alcohol and drug abuse and how it effects them, their parents, and society. Once they complete the class, the Youthful Offender Program sends a letter to the district justice, and the minor's law provisional guilty plea is withdrawn, and removed from their record. If however, another minor's law citation is received within one year upon completion of the course, it is counted as a second offense. In either case the offense stays on the offender's driving record, which entails a suspension of 90 days.

Course Information
The course with insurance costs approximately $175. A police office usually attends several classes and provides a synopsis of police activity involving underage drinking, and alcohol related incidents in a college town such as D.U.I., assaults, sexual assaults, theft, and criminal mischief. Class participation is encouraged, as the police officer explains why the police handle incidents a particular way. Negative perceptions and stereotypes are addressed, and clarified, and students gain an understanding of the police response to alcohol violations. Classes run September thru May and consist mainly of PSU students.  However, the respective District Justice, with input from the arresting officer makes the final determination as to whether or not a defendant/minor is appropriate for the program.