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Los Angeles Drug Diversion Program Attorneys 
Drug Diversion Program
California offers a number of alternative sentencing options that allow drug offenders to avoid jail time by accepting lesser penalties. California Penal Code 1000, for example, allows defendants who plead guilty or no contest to a drug charge, to attend drug abuse treatment programs instead of going to jail. A skilled and knowledgeable Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyer can help you explore alternative sentencing options, help you stay out of jail and carry on with your life.
Eligibility for California Penal Code 1000
Under California Penal Code 1000, defendants facing drug charges may attend drug abuse treatment programs instead of going to jail. A defendant is only eligible for this alternative sentencing if he or she:
- Has no conviction for any offense involving controlled substances prior to the alleged commission of the charged offense
- The offense charged did not involve a crime of violence or threatened violence
- Has not had parole previously revoked
- Has not failed a diversion program within five years
- Has not committed a felony within five years.
Drug diversion programs exist to help first-time offenders charged with minor crimes get help for their drug addiction. It is not available for serious repeat offenders. Repeat offenders would be well-advised to seek the guidance of an experienced drug crime defense attorney to discuss their legal options.
Benefits of a California Drug Diversion Program
Not only will a drug diversion program allow a drug offender to avoid jail time, but successfully completing such a program could also lead to charges being erased permanently from the defendant's criminal record. A defendant who successfully completes a 12-week drug diversion program or longer narcotics abuse treatment program and then manages to stay clean for 18 months, will have his or her case dismissed by the court.
Failure to Complete a Drug Diversion Program
All of the benefits of a drug diversion program are lost if the defendant fails during the process. Someone can fail a drug diversion program by not completing the mandatory treatment program or by getting arrested again for drug possession or testing positive during the probation period. Failing the program allows the judge to immediately enter judgment on the case and send the defendant to jail.
Defending Drug Charges
California Penal Code 1000 is just one of many alternative sentencing options that may be available for a defendant. Anyone facing drug charges in Los Angeles would be well- advised to seek the counsel of the experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP. We understand the intricacies of California drug laws and serve the Greater Los Angeles area. If you are facing drug crime charges, please do not hesitate to call our offices to discuss your case and determine if alternative sentencing such as a drug diversion program is available to you.
If you are in need of alternative sentencing options then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844.
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Drug Crimes Resource Center
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses Overview
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses FAQs
- Los Angeles Cocaine Charges
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Los Angeles
- Drug Diversion Program in Los Angeles
- Drug Paraphernalia Charge in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Drug Possession
- Los Angeles Drug Sales
- Los Angeles Drug Trafficking
- Marijuana Charges in Los Angeles
- Meth Charges in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Prescription Drug Fraud
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses Resources
