Traffic Diversion

Traffic Diversion is an opportunity to have your citation dismissed if you comply with the terms of your Diversion.  Many tickets are eligible for Diversion and can be handled without a Court appearance.

The Johnson County District Attorney Traffic Diversion Policy can be found here:
DIVERSION POLICY
Terms of Traffic Diversion

The Traffic Diversion Program involves three different programs. Each program listed below contains further information including the eligibility criteria and application process:

NOTE: DUI diversion is handled through the Criminal Diversion Unit. You may contact the Criminal Diversion Unit at 913-715-3114

Frequent Questions

What if I just want to pay the ticket?

You can pay on-line on the Court website, or by phone 888-877-0450. There is a $4.95 processing fee for payments online or by phone. You may also mail in your fine and court costs to:  Johnson County District Court, Traffic Clerk, 150 W. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66061.

Do I have to pay the diversion fee at the time I enter diversion?

Yes, and also the court costs. You can request a continuance if you need time to pay the diversion fee and court costs

If I want a trial, what do I do?

You can request a Trial when you appear for the Arraignment, noted on your citation.

I want a continuance, what can I do?

The request for continuance must be made 48 business hours before the court date by email to trafficcourt@jocogov.org  
Refer to the District Court website link for more info on requesting a continuance.

If I want to speak to someone in the District Attorney’s office, how can I do that?

Call the DA’s Traffic line to speak to a Traffic Diversion Case Manager at 913-715-3011. You may also send an email; include your name as it appears on the citation (include case number if you know it) to DATTrafficDiversionUnit@jocogov.org

Additional Questions

If you have additional traffic questions, please email us at: Dattrafficdiversionunit@jocogov.org or contact a traffic case manager at 913-715-3011.

Where do I get information about DUI Diversion?

DUI Diversion is handled through the Criminal Diversion Unit, 913-715-3114.

My ticket has a box marked that I need to appear. Do I really have to come to Court?

Depending on the violation(s) on your citation, it may be required that you have a hearing. For violations that require proof of documentation, ex: No Insurance or Registration violations, you may provide your updated documentation in advance of your court date to DATTrafficDocs@jocogov.org, and the hearing may be cancelled after confirming this with a Traffic Diversion Case Manager.

I want to plead guilty and pay my fine, but there’s no fine amount to pay on my ticket or the website.

Likely, documentation is required prior to having the fine set.  For more info and to get your fine amount, call Traffic Trial Assistant at 913-715-3139.

How do I enter a Not Guilty plea if I WANT to go to Trial?

You must appear in Court as directed on your citation and enter your not guilty plea to have a new date set for a trial.

Do I need an attorney resolve my ticket?

No. It is not a requirement to have an attorney to pay your ticket, enter diversion, or have a trial.  However, you may hire an attorney at any point to represent you or resolve your ticket. 

What are my options to resolve my ticket?

You have three (3) options: a) You may inquire about Traffic Diversion. Diversion is a six-month program where, if eligible, you pay a Diversion fee plus $109.50 in Court costs. If you complete the six-month unsupervised period without getting a new ticket or violating any other terms of Diversion, the ticket is dismissed and your record will be updated with a dismissal.  b) You can pay the fine noted on your ticket, which updates your driver’s history with a conviction for the offense(s). c) You can request a continuance and set a trial date.

Are you having traffic court now?

Yes, all Traffic Court hearings are in person.  You may have the option of resolving your citation without coming to the Courthouse.  More information about Traffic Court is available on the District Court website.

What traffic and misdemeanor tickets does the Johnson County DA’s Office prosecute?

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Johnson County Park Police, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Alcohol Beverage Control (KDOR).

Am I eligible for diversion?

The following offenses are NOT eligible for Traffic Diversion:

    Speeding Violations
    -    10 - 60 MPH Zone – 21 MPH and over the speed limit
    -    65 - 75 MPH Zone – 100 MPH and greater
    -    Moving Violations in Construction Zones or School Zones
    -    Running a red light causing a crash
    -    Any violation issued to a CDL license holder
    -    Overweight vehicle
    -    Interlock violations

    -    ****Diversion is also NOT allowed if the defendant
              o    Has an active warrant
              o    Is on any active diversion including criminal diversion
              o    Has had a prior traffic diversion with Johnson County District Attorney’s Office within the last
                    6 months from the diversion discharge date to the new ticket date
              o    Has more than 1 traffic case pending in Johnson County District Court

What happens if I get a new ticket while on diversion?

A Motion to Reinstate Prosecution of your diversion will be filed with the Court and the prosecution may be reinstated. You will receive a notice to appear (certified mail) from the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office in the mail advising a date and time to appear.

How do I have my fine amount set?

If you want to plead guilty by phone without appearing in Court first, you may contact the Traffic Trial Assistant at the District Attorney’s Office 913-715-3139 to assist in having a fine set.  Court Costs are assessed on every citation, even if you do not appear in Court.

I do not have money to pay my ticket now, but I can pay in a few months, what can I do?

You can appear in court as directed to enter a plea and have your fine assessed. You will be given 360 days to pay the fine and court costs on the Court website. You can also request a continuance.