What is a diversion program in los angeles?

Luckily you qualify for the new diversion provided for by PC 1000.24. This allows you to enter a plea, perform certain conditions such as community service, counseling etc. The longest it can take is 1 year. At the end of the year, if you have done everything, the plea you entered is withdrawn and the case is DISMISSED! If, on the other hand, you don't do everything or pick up a new arrest, when you return next year, you will be sentenced by the Court. This is actually DEJ (Deferred Entry of Judgment) in that you enter the plea but sentencing is continued for up to a year (I have done some where it was only 3 months). As long as you are not SENTENCED, in California, for most purposes, you are not considered to have a CONVICTION! Don't waste this opportunity! Make it a priority and DON'T FORGET YOUR COURT DATE NEXT YEAR!

There must have been a lawyer involved when you reached this dispostion in court--probably a public defender. Any court-ordered requirements should be listed on your sentencing docket/judgment minutes. Speak with your attorney.

Diversion programs typically involve a series of conditions like attending classes, doing community service, meeting with probation, drug testing, school and/or employment, and staying out of trouble for a period of time. If you successfully complete the program, you don't get convicted. If you don't complete the program, you do get convicted. You should have received instructions concerning the conditions of the program and what you need to do. If you did not, I suggest contacting the court or the lawyer who represented you and inquiring. If you do nothing, you will not complete the program successfully.

You may be eligible for the Misdemeanor Diversion Program if you are a first time offender. This program is not always offered by the DA and even when it is, they are reluctant to do so because the diversion program allows you to avoid a criminal conviction on your record all together. Under this program, you plead to the charges against you. After a year, and after you have completed certain requirements, you can withdraw the plea you previously entered and your record get erased of any charges. You may be required to complete a Court-Approved Drug Counseling Program. The court may also require counseling/community service/restitution/fees/etc.