Plea Agreements and Diversions

Many criminal cases are concluded without a trial. A case may be disposed of without a trial through a plea agreement or diversion program.

Under a plea agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to certain charges. The prosecutor may be more lenient on sentencing recommendations and/or the fine if the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest.

Diversion is available for certain crimes. As part of a diversion, the defendant agrees to comply with certain conditions for a period of time. If the defendant successfully completes all the conditions in the agreement, the charges will be dismissed. If the defendant fails to meet a condition, the diversion may be terminated, the charge(s) immediately reinstated and a trial held on the police report alone.

Plea Agreements, Amendments and Diversions (including the terms therein) are solely at the discretion of the Prosecutor.

Telephone negotiations are not allowed on pleas or amendments.