District attorney seeks $1,200 in forfeiture funds for online diversion program; warns of office space crunch
January 29, 2026 | Penobscot County, Maine
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The district attorney asked the Penobscot County Commission on Jan. 28 to authorize $1,200 from forfeiture funds to purchase access to an online diversion program called Advent.
The DA described Advent as a low-cost diversion tool that offers modular classes — on victim impact, impaired driving, juvenile issues, and anger management — with level-1 sessions priced at $75 and level-2 at $120. The DA told commissioners the program would allow prosecutors to offer structured alternatives in cases that historically would have resulted in short jail stays or fines.
"These are not people who are gonna be facing a long time in county jail, but they would be served well by having something more than just a fine," the DA said.
The DA said the office could track completions and test results through the platform and emphasized a policy choice not to turn this into a revenue-generating program by imposing high participant fees. Commissioners asked about restrictions on using forfeiture accounts for ongoing subscriptions; staff and the treasurer explained forfeiture funds are maintained in segregated accounts and suggested the administrators double-check parameters and consult finance.
The commission moved and seconded approval of the request and voted in favor. Commissioners also discussed whether a modest participant fee (one commissioner suggested $100) could be reserved to replenish the account for future subscriptions.
On staffing, the DA reported recent hires that bring prosecutors close to full staffing (now 10 of 11 authorized positions filled) but said clerical and office space shortages remain acute; the DA asked administrators for an updated timeline on renovation of a planned office and recommended contingency plans if renovation does not occur this year.
Commissioners asked the administrator and facilities staff to follow up on space options and to confirm how forfeiture funds are held and any restrictions on their use.
The DA described Advent as a low-cost diversion tool that offers modular classes — on victim impact, impaired driving, juvenile issues, and anger management — with level-1 sessions priced at $75 and level-2 at $120. The DA told commissioners the program would allow prosecutors to offer structured alternatives in cases that historically would have resulted in short jail stays or fines.
"These are not people who are gonna be facing a long time in county jail, but they would be served well by having something more than just a fine," the DA said.
The DA said the office could track completions and test results through the platform and emphasized a policy choice not to turn this into a revenue-generating program by imposing high participant fees. Commissioners asked about restrictions on using forfeiture accounts for ongoing subscriptions; staff and the treasurer explained forfeiture funds are maintained in segregated accounts and suggested the administrators double-check parameters and consult finance.
The commission moved and seconded approval of the request and voted in favor. Commissioners also discussed whether a modest participant fee (one commissioner suggested $100) could be reserved to replenish the account for future subscriptions.
On staffing, the DA reported recent hires that bring prosecutors close to full staffing (now 10 of 11 authorized positions filled) but said clerical and office space shortages remain acute; the DA asked administrators for an updated timeline on renovation of a planned office and recommended contingency plans if renovation does not occur this year.
Commissioners asked the administrator and facilities staff to follow up on space options and to confirm how forfeiture funds are held and any restrictions on their use.
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