California Diversion Concepts Guide
What Is the Purpose of Diversion Programs in California?
There is no single purpose shared identically by every diversion program. Depending on the statute, diversion may be designed to address treatment needs, create an alternative case process, provide structured conditions, connect people to services, allow dismissal after successful completion where the statute provides, or reduce reliance on traditional prosecution and sentencing in appropriate cases.
Quick answer
What Is the Purpose of Diversion?
- There is no single purpose shared by every program.
- Different statutes emphasize treatment, alternatives, conditions, services or case resolution.
- For how diversion works step by step, see our pretrial diversion guide.
Five goals
Why Diversion Programs Can Exist
Five possible goals of diversion programs; different statutes emphasize different goals.
Legal alternative
- A different path than traditional prosecution
Treatment connection
- Linking defendants to clinical care
Accountability / conditions
- Structured requirements set by law or court
Service coordination
- Connecting people to support services
Case resolution after completion
- Where the statute authorizes it
Different emphasis
- Each statute weighs these goals differently
Example
Mental Health Diversion
PC §1001.36 states legislative purposes that include addressing mental health needs and providing alternatives in appropriate cases. See Mental Health Diversion in California.
Example
Judicial Misdemeanor Diversion
PC §1001.95 gives judges discretion to divert many misdemeanors under terms the court sets. See misdemeanor diversion.
Example
Military Diversion
PC §1001.80 addresses current and former military members with qualifying conditions. See our Military Diversion guide.
Example
Drug Diversion
PC §1000 applies to specified drug offenses and includes program participation. For drug-offense resources, see our HS §11395 guide.
Caution
What a Purpose Does Not Promise
A statute's purpose does not guarantee that any particular person qualifies or that any outcome will follow. Eligibility and results depend on the law, the facts and the court.
Legal note
Statutory purposes guide interpretation but do not decide individual cases.
What ETS can and cannot do
Where Executive Treatment Solutions Fits
ETS does not determine eligibility or outcomes. ETS may coordinate treatment, testing, monitoring and case management where relevant.
Responsibilities
Who Does What?
Legislature
Sets each statute's purpose and rules.
Court
Applies the statute to each case.
Defense counsel
Identifies the pathway and argues eligibility.
ETS
Coordinates relevant support.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About the Purpose of Diversion
Sources & Legal References
Confidential consultation
Support While Your Case Is Open
ETS can help coordinate treatment, testing and case management that counsel may find relevant.
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