Diversion and Deferral

This section presents data on cases granted diversion or deferred judgment. Diversion and deferred judgments are alternatives to traditional prosecution that attempt to address individuals’ needs. If programmatic requirements are met, the case will be dismissed.

Why is this important? Understanding what cases are diverted or deferred and the rate of successful program completion provides information on whether the alternative minimizes unnecessary punitiveness and maintains community safety.

Indicators

Below are a set of indicators that provide additional context about diversion and deferrals. These indicators help the DA's Office ensure they are providing alternatives to traditional prosecution effectively and fairly.

While there are differences in the rate that Native American and Hispanic defendants are given deferred sentences as compared to Whites, the numbers show a trend toward more equal treatment in the last three years.

Click Here for more information about race and ethnicity data collection and limitations.

These charts show that we are generally giving deferred judgments to the right people - they are successfully completing their sentences and roughly 90% do not have new cases filed within 2 years of completion.

Notes:

• Underlying data counts for each chart can be accessed through this link