GRAND FORKS — The Grand Forks County State's Attorney's Office has finalized a pilot diversion program, one of three state-funded programs that will explore an alternative to incarceration. "We're hoping that it's a win-win for all — for society, for the criminal justice system and the defendant," Wamstad said. ADVERTISEMENTHer office applied to participate in the pilot project at the recommendation of Grand Forks Police Chief Jason Freedman. Passage of HB 1425 during the 2025 legislative session allocated funding for a pilot program in three counties (Grand Forks, Cass and Stark) to develop a prosecution-led diversion program that allows some people to remain out of jail or prison. Participation in the diversion program doesn't remove the opportunity for criminal charges, though; participants could still be charged if they fail to comply with program conditions.