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Los Angeles Attorneys Discuss Drug Diversion Programs

Los Angeles Drug Crime Attorneys Who Will Fight for Your Freedom

Certain defendants accused of drug crimes in Los Angeles may be eligible for drug diversion programs. This alternative to criminal sentencing is typically available to first-time offenders charged with more minor misdemeanor offenses.

Los Angeles County drug diversion programs are designed to give defendants an opportunity to lead a normal life without the burden of a criminal record. They employ strategies such as community service and rehabilitation as alternatives to criminal prosecution and jail time. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we may be able to get you enrolled in a drug diversion program to avoid incarceration and a criminal record.

If you are facing drug charges in Los Angeles, contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP for top-tier legal representation. Head attorney Mark Werksman is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for ethical standards and legal ability, and recognized by Super Lawyers for outstanding success. Firm partner Alan Jackson has tried more than 85 cases to jury verdict with a career success rate of 96 percent.

Call (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free initial consultation today.

What Is a California Drug Diversion Program?

Drug diversion programs are a type of program offered by California police departments, D.A.s, and courts that are designed to divert first-time drug offenders from habitual drug use. Their purposes are:

To recover drug offenders rather than remove them from society
To save the state money by keeping convicted drug abusers out of jail

An individual arrested for a drug crime who qualifies for a drug diversion program can plead guilty to the charges and have sentencing deferred. If that person successfully completes the drug diversion program, he or she will not be convicted of the drug crime.

If the defendant fails to complete any court-ordered condition of the program, such as counseling or drug treatment, criminal proceedings will resume, and the defendant will be convicted of the crime.

Eligibility Requirements for Drug Diversion Programs in Los Angeles

Most people charged with simple drug possession are eligible to participate in a drug diversion program. It is important to seek legal guidance in assessing eligibility. You may not qualify if you are facing more serious charges, such as possession for sales or transportation of narcotics.

Our skilled Los Angeles drug crime defense attorneys can work to have your charges reduced so you become eligible for a drug diversion program. A conviction that falls under California’s Three Strikes Law within the past five years could also disqualify you from entering a drug diversion program.

What Are the Benefits and Potential Outcomes of Drug Diversion?

For those who qualify, a Los Angeles drug diversion program can be the best option. Successful program completion enables you to avoid serving jail time and have your criminal case dismissed.

You can truthfully report no convictions on job applications in the future. You may be able to continue school or work during the program and avoid the loss of a professional license. It also provides an opportunity to conquer a drug abuse problem.

How Do You Navigate the Drug Diversion Process?

A drug diversion program allows you to get treatment instead of doing jail time. The process of entering and completing a program is as follows:

You plead guilty to the drug charge, and the judge delays sentencing and judgment of a finding of guilt for 18 months.
For five or six months, you will undergo substance abuse counseling and random drug testing.
Next, you are placed on unsupervised probation for the remaining 12 months.
When you have successfully completed the program, the case is dismissed and will not appear on your record as a conviction.

Our experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP can assess your eligibility, negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges reduced, and assist you with every aspect of a drug diversion program.

We’re Here to Protect Your Freedom

If you are dealing with drug crime charges, you may be eligible for a drug diversion program, but you’ll need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for your rights and help you navigate the legal process. Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. We have been defending the rights of our clients for over 25 years, and our track record can attest to our success.

Our Los Angeles defense attorneys never back down in the courtroom and are prepared to take every action required to defend your freedom.

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