The prosecuting attorney shall determine whether a defendant is eligible for participation in the deferred entry of judgment reentry program.
(a) If the prosecuting attorney determines that this section may be applicable to the defendant, he or she shall advise the defendant and his or her attorney in writing of that determination. This notification shall include the following:
(1) A full description of the procedures for deferred entry of judgment.
(2) A general explanation of the role and authority of the prosecuting attorney, the program, and the court in the process.
(3) A clear statement that in lieu of trial, the court may grant deferred entry of judgment with respect to the current crime or crimes charged if the defendant pleads guilty to each charge and waives time for the pronouncement of judgment, and that, upon the defendant’s successful completion of the program and the motion of the prosecuting attorney, the court will dismiss the charge or charges against the defendant and the provisions of Sections 851.90 and 1203.4 will apply.
(4) A clear statement that failure to comply with any condition under the program may result in the prosecuting attorney or the court making a motion for entry of judgment, whereupon the court will render a finding of guilty to the charge or charges pled, enter judgment, and schedule a sentencing hearing as otherwise provided in this code.
(5) An explanation of criminal record retention and disposition resulting from participation in the deferred entry of judgment program and the defendant’s rights relative to answering questions about his or her arrest and deferred entry of judgment following successful completion of the program.
(b) If the prosecuting attorney determines that the defendant is eligible for the program, the prosecuting attorney shall state for the record the grounds upon which the determination is based and shall make this information available to the defendant and his or her attorney. This procedure is intended to allow the court to set the hearing for deferred entry of judgment at the arraignment.
(c) If the prosecuting attorney determines that the defendant is ineligible for the program, the prosecuting attorney shall state for the record the grounds upon which the determination is based and shall make this information available to the defendant and his or her attorney. The sole remedy of a defendant who is found ineligible for deferred entry of judgment is a postconviction appeal. If the prosecuting attorney does not deem the defendant eligible, or the defendant does not consent to participate, the proceedings shall continue as in any other case.
(d) Upon a motion by the prosecuting attorney for an entry of judgment, before entering a judgment of guilty, the court may hold a hearing to determine whether the defendant has failed to comply with the program and should be terminated from the program.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 372, Sec. 4. (AB 750) Effective January 1, 2010.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018