A Vanderburgh County forensic diversion program is expanding to accept impaired drivers into the alternative sentencing program.

Superior Judge Wayne Trockman has said the county has long hoped to expand the program that started in 2003 to address impaired driving, and he is waiting for final approval from the county's community corrections advisory board. The three-year program aimed at non-violent offenders with addictions or mental illness offers treatment as opposed to sentencing the offenders to jail.

Those impaired drivers entering into the program will participate for 18 months to three years, and sentences would be stayed upon completion, according to Forensic Diversion Program and Drug Court Director Debbie Mowbray.