Scott Olsen agrees to helping himself.
Olsen, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges, will participate in a six-month Pretrial Diversion Program.
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"This is a program offered to any first-time (felony) offender. It's not because he is Scott Olsen,'' said Aventura police Capt. Skip Washa.
"He has been very remorseful, more so than a lot of people.
"Not many of us get an opportunity to play major-league baseball. I'm sure he doesn't want to screw that up.''
If Olsen completes the program and avoids being arrested in the next six months, he will go before a judge and seek a dismissal of the felony charges. Washa said the charges almost always are dismissed upon successful completion of the program....which will require Olsen's participation in anger-management classes, according to a source. The program also could include community service.
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"I'm thrilled with the result we've got so far,'' Olsen said. "Right now, we're going step by step with the stuff I got to take care of on my end. In time this will all be taken care of.''
Sounds great. Wishing Scott only the best.
The article explains the program very well but if you want a little more detail you can click here.
Going through the program is not a guarantee that the charges will be dismissed, but I would be shocked if they weren't.
The misdemeanor part of his charges are still actionable.
I seriously doubt these charges will stick. All they need to do is bring up the fact he was tasered before the field sobriety test and that a breathalyzer was never performed.
Since I am not an attorney, I could be completely wrong. But as a citizen who is called to jury duty from time to time, I would find it hard to convict in criminal trial if that was the only evidence the prosecution had.
Anyway, the most important thing is that Scott is helping himself to improve his life. And that is only a good thing.