Is pretrial diversion available in Los Angeles County?

California's diversion laws apply statewide, so they apply in Los Angeles County too. Whether you qualify depends on the charge, your history, the specific statute and the judge. Local programs and procedures can also differ. Your attorney can tell you what may apply.

Does completing diversion guarantee a dismissal?

No. Under many California diversion laws, successful completion can lead to dismissal of the charges, but the court decides. ETS does not promise legal outcomes.

Can a DUI be diverted in California?

Generally, DUI charges are excluded from judicial diversion under PC 1001.95. Mental health or military diversion rules raise separate legal questions. Talk with your attorney about your situation.

What does ETS do in a diversion case?

ETS helps arrange treatment, testing, monitoring and case management, and keeps organized progress records. ETS does not give legal advice and works alongside your attorney.

California coverage

Pretrial Diversion in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County runs one of the largest court systems in the country. Diversion may be an option in some cases. If it is, ETS helps organize the treatment, testing and records your attorney may need.

ETS does not give legal advice. Your attorney handles the legal side, and the court decides eligibility and outcomes.

Get Help Now California Overview

Where cases may be heard

Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (Downtown LA)
Airport Courthouse (West LA)
Compton, Van Nuys, East LA and Long Beach courthouses, among others

Your attorney can confirm where your case will be heard.

Programs that may apply

California Diversion Laws That May Apply in Los Angeles County

Diversion in Los Angeles County follows California state law. Local courts may also run collaborative or specialty courts. These are the main state programs.

Mental health diversion (PC 1001.36)
For some people whose diagnosed mental health condition played a significant role in the charged offense. The court decides eligibility and suitability, and certain offenses are excluded.
Learn more
Judicial diversion for misdemeanors (PC 1001.95)
Lets a judge offer diversion for many misdemeanors. The law excludes some offenses, including DUI, domestic violence, stalking and offenses requiring sex-offender registration.
Learn more
Drug diversion (PC 1000)
For certain drug-possession offenses when the person meets the statute's requirements. It usually involves an education or treatment program.
Learn more
Military diversion (PC 1001.80)
For some current or former service members charged with a misdemeanor who may have service-related conditions such as PTSD or substance use.
Learn more

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and eligibility depends on the facts of each case.

How it usually works

How Diversion Support Works in Los Angeles County

Every case is different. This is the general order of steps when ETS is involved.

01
Attorney review
Your attorney reviews the charges and decides whether diversion or mitigation is worth pursuing.
02
Evaluation and plan
If treatment-related support makes sense, ETS helps arrange appropriate evaluations and a service plan.
03
Participation
You attend treatment, classes or testing. ETS tracks attendance and results.
04
Documentation
ETS prepares organized progress records your attorney can review and share when appropriate.
05
Court decision
The court, and in some programs the prosecutor, decides whether diversion is granted and how the case ends.

What courts often look at

Documented Effort, Not Promises

Judges and prosecutors usually want proof, not plans. Records like these may help your attorney show what you have done:

Treatment attendance records
Drug and alcohol test results
Evaluations from licensed providers
Provider progress letters
Class completion certificates
Monitoring reports

Questions

Questions About Diversion in Los Angeles County

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Facing a Charge in Los Angeles County?

Tell us what's going on. We'll explain what support ETS can organize while your attorney handles the legal strategy.

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Pretrial Diversion in Los Angeles County

California Diversion Laws That May Apply in Los Angeles County

Mental health diversion (PC 1001.36)

Judicial diversion for misdemeanors (PC 1001.95)

Drug diversion (PC 1000)

Military diversion (PC 1001.80)

How Diversion Support Works in Los Angeles County

Attorney review

Evaluation and plan

Participation

Documentation

Court decision