Deferred Prosecution Program

Criminal Defense Attorney for Deferred Prosecution Mesa AZ

In Maricopa County, approximately 98 percent of all criminal cases are resolved without a trial. On average, only a mere 2 percent of cases go to trial.

Most cases are resolved by dismissal of charges, plea bargains, or pre-trial intervention programs such as deferred prosecution.

What is Deferred Prosecution?

Deferred prosecution is a voluntary diversion program that enables the state to redirect the case from criminal prosecution to a course of rehabilitation. After the program is successfully completed, the criminal charge is dismissed.

How does it work?

Deferred prosecution programs are offered for limited types of cases in Maricopa County. If one is eligible and offered by the prosecution, the defendant can decide whether or not to accept the offer to participate in it. Those who agree to participate in deferred prosecution as an alternative to trial do not plead guilty. Note this is different from a plea agreement in which a guilty plea is required.

The program involves screening, assessment, education, and submission to random drug testing.

If a participant violates the terms of the program or does not complete it, the original charges will be prosecuted.

Examples of violations may include testing positive for drugs, or not attending classes.

The program is not mandatory. It must be offered to the defendant by the court and prosecution.

A person must qualify for the program based on the nature of the charges, criminal history, and other factors.

Recent annual statistics from the Maricopa County Attorney’s office indicated that of all those who participated in drug diversion programs for substance abuse, controlled substances, or marijuana possession accounted for a large majority of 77.2 percent of cases.

A majority of the deferred prosecution programs offered in Maricopa County involve illegal drug possession or substance abuse charges.

The County may offers programs for non-drug related charges such as shoplifting/theft, domestic violence, prostitution, underage drinking, and non-domestic anger related crimes.

If you wish to participate and an offer has not been made yet, you should discuss this with your criminal defense attorney, who will request a review of your case.

The prosecution and the court will review your case to determine if you qualify and will recommend a program tailored to your charges.

Who qualifies for deferred prosecution?

The prosecution and the court consider a number of factors to determine if a defendant qualifies for deferred prosecution for their active criminal charges:

• Prior criminal history;
• The current or any prior offenses were non-dangerous, non-serious, non-violent, not a crime against a child, and/or non-sexual in nature;
• Quantity of marijuana or illegal substance found in a person’s possession was small and consistent with personal use rather than intent to sell;
• For theft crimes, the value of the item (s) stolen was not large;
• Aggravated factors did not surround the charges.

What are the advantages of deferred prosecution?

The state and the defendant both benefit from deferred prosecution when the program is successfully completed.

Deferred prosecution enables the state to resolve cases quicker, reduce court caseloads and save on costs associated with trial.

Some of the main advantages to deferred prosecution for the defendant include:

1. Avoiding criminal prosecution, and uncertainties associated with trial;
2. Eliminating the consequences of sentencing associated with a guilty plea or verdict including no risk of jail or prison terms;
3. Avoiding a criminal record;
4. Expedient resolution of your criminal charges;
5. Benefiting from rehabilitation and realizing recovery.

Can I go anywhere for counseling?

In order to satisfy the counseling or treatment program terms under the deferred prosecution, the program must be recognized by the court. Typical standards required include:

• Criteria that determines who may qualify for the program;
• Recommended components of the program;
• Monitoring and supervision by a counselor or supervisor;
• Deferment of prosecution to allow for program completion;
• Procedures for successful and unsuccessful program completion;
• Fee allowances for the program;
• Annual reporting procedures

If you are currently enrolled or participating in an alcohol or substance abuse program and wish to continue, your criminal defense attorney will work with you and the court to determine if the program satisfies the minimum standards.

What happens if I do not complete the program?

Recent annual statistics from the Maricopa County Attorney’s office indicate that about 78 percent of the diversion program participants successfully complete the program.

Approximately 22 percent fail to complete the program. Failure of the program is most commonly the result of the non-compliance, failure to attend classes, receiving new criminal charges, or testing positive in random alcohol or drug screening.

If a person does not successfully complete the program, the program’s supervisor will notify the prosecution. The prosecutor will then file a notice to resume the prosecution of the charges.

If a person does not complete the program, statements they made as part of registration may be used against them in prosecution. This is because Rules of Criminal procedure 410 does not protect statements the defendant makes as part of deferred sentencing.

How do I protect my rights?

Here are 3 ways you can protect your rights if you have received criminal charges and wish to participate in deferred prosecution:

1. Retain a criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Since not all defendants qualify for the available programs, your criminal defense attorney can work on your behalf with the prosecution, to help you to qualify if it is at all possible.
2. If you agree to deferred prosecution, you should complete the program. Be sure you understand the requirements and terms of the program. Violating the terms of the program or failing to complete it will result in continued prosecution of the charges.
3. Keep in mind that any statements you make as a prerequisite to the program may later be admitted into court to prosecute your charges if the program is not completed.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Deferred Prosecution Attorney, Mesa AZ

Favorable resolutions such as dismissals or reduction of charges, rarely occurs without representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney like James Novak, of the Law Office of James Novak.

If you wish to take your case to trial, you have the right to do so.

Most who agree to participate in deferred prosecution do so because it eliminates the risks of trial, getting a guilty verdict, serving time in jail or prison, and receiving a criminal record.

You also have the right to accept an agreement of deferred prosecution without an attorney. However, the prosecution is not required to provide this opportunity, and not all defendants qualify easily.

To increase your chances of qualifying for an available program, it is important that you retain a criminal defense attorney as early as possible. If the prosecution has already decided that you do not qualify, they often do not change their position.

In the least, you should consult an experienced criminal attorney to discuss you matter before going to court for the first time, to make sure your defenses are reserved, and your rights are protected.

James Novak, of the Law Office of James Novak, PLLC is an experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. James Novak, DUI and criminal defense attorney has 20 years of experience in criminal law, and provides exclusive defense for those who have been charged with crimes in Maricopa County. James Novak defends clients in courts of Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Phoenix Arizona.

James Novak provides a free initial consultation for those clients with active charges in his service areas. You can call and speak with him directly and confidentially about your matter.

Contact or call James Novak, (480) 413 -1499 today to discuss your situation and obtain information about your defense options and his services.