What is deferred adjudication?
Deferred adjudication (also called deferred entry of judgment or an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal) lets a defendant plead guilty or no contest, but the court defers entering a conviction while the person completes conditions. If they succeed, the charge is dismissed without a conviction, avoiding the lasting consequences of a criminal record.
What is a first-offender program?
First-offender programs and pretrial intervention (PTI) allow eligible first-time defendants to complete requirements such as probation, counseling, community service, or restitution in exchange for dismissal of the charge. They are designed to keep low-risk first offenders out of the conviction system and are common for drug and minor property offences.
Will the charge be erased from my record?
Successful completion generally means no conviction is entered, but the arrest and case may still appear until you separately expunge or seal the record. Many states allow expungement of a dismissed diversion case, sometimes after a waiting period. Check your state's expungement rules and consider the Expungement Calculator.
Who is not eligible for first-offender diversion?
Common disqualifiers include a prior conviction, serious or violent felony charges, DUI in some states, and offences the prosecutor deems too serious. Eligibility is often at the prosecutor's discretion. A defense attorney can tell you which programs your jurisdiction offers and whether you qualify.