Practice area – Drug Diversion
Eligible for drug diversion in Riverside County?
PC 1000, Drug Court, and Veterans Treatment Court can resolve drug cases without a conviction. Eligibility matters – and so does timing.
Available 24/7
What you’re facing
California offers multiple diversion paths for non-violent drug cases. PC 1000 (deferred entry of judgment) allows eligible defendants to enter a treatment program; the case is dismissed at successful completion. Drug Court is more intensive – intensive supervision with judge oversight – and covers a wider range of charges. Veterans Treatment Court is specifically designed for service members and veterans dealing with substance issues. Mental Health Diversion (PC 1001.36) is available for defendants with qualifying conditions. Each program has different eligibility rules and outcomes.
Defenses I build
Diversion defense work is procedural and strategic. I evaluate eligibility on day one, advocate for the right program, address charging decisions that could affect eligibility, prepare clients for program requirements, and intervene when issues arise during the program (relapses, missed appointments). Successful program completion means dismissal – the case is treated as if the conviction never occurred. Failure means the original case proceeds with the worst-case sentencing exposure, which is why staying engaged with counsel throughout the program is essential.
Drug Diversion Case Results
Charged With
Grand Theft Auto + Drug Sales + Strike Prior
Outcome
Drug Rehab Program
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Assault w/ Deadly Weapon + Great Bodily Injury
Outcome
Placeholder
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Take-Over Robbery, Kidnapping, 3 Strikes – Multiple life counts
Outcome
12 Years
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Case result available on consultation
Outcome
Placeholder
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Case result available on consultation
Outcome
12 Years
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
ADW + Robbery + GBI + Gang Affiliation
Outcome
NOT GUILTY
Drug – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Attempted Murder – Facing 7 yrs to Life
Outcome
Misdemeanor, Time Served
Drug – Riverside Co.
Common Questions
Am I eligible for PC 1000?
California defines violent crimes broadly: murder and attempted murder, assault and assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245), robbery and armed robbery, kidnapping, criminal threats, and any offense resulting in great bodily injury. Many include gang or firearm enhancements that stack additional years on top of the base sentence. Most are also Strike Offenses, meaning the conviction follows you for life and doubles your exposure on any future felony.
What is Drug Court?
Drug Court is a court-supervised treatment program more intensive than PC 1000. It involves frequent court appearances, regular drug testing, treatment program attendance, and sometimes employment or education requirements. Eligibility is broader than PC 1000 – it can cover defendants with prior records or current charges that include some sales activity. Successful completion typically results in dismissal, reduction, or favorable sentencing. Failure can result in immediate sentencing on the underlying charge.
What happens if I do not complete the program?
Failure to complete a diversion program means the original case proceeds – typically with the worst-case sentencing exposure since the defendant was given a chance. For PC 1000, the deferred plea is entered and the defendant is sentenced. For Drug Court, the judge has wide discretion at sentencing. Common reasons for failure include missed appointments, positive drug tests, missed court dates, and new arrests. Engaging counsel quickly when problems arise can sometimes salvage the program.
Diversion Programs Available in Riverside County
California has several paths to resolve drug cases without a conviction:
PC 1000 (Deferred Entry of Judgment)
Pre-plea diversion. Successful completion = dismissal.
Drug Court
Intensive court-supervised treatment. Wider eligibility than PC 1000.
Veterans Treatment Court
For service members and veterans with substance issues.
Mental Health Diversion (PC 1001.36)
For defendants with qualifying mental health conditions.
Prop 36
Mandatory drug treatment for certain non-violent drug offenses.
DUI Court
Specialized for repeat DUI offenders.
Behavioral Health Court
For complex cases involving treatment needs.
PC 1001 Civil Compromise
Limited availability for some property offenses.
PC 1000 Eligibility Requirements
PC 1000 is the most common drug diversion path. To qualify, you must meet ALL of the following:
- No prior conviction for any felony or for a controlled substance offense
- The current offense did not involve violence or threats of violence
- No evidence the defendant was peddling or selling drugs (possession only)
- Defendant has not been on diversion within last 5 years
- No conviction within last 5 years for an offense involving moral turpitude
If you qualify for PC 1000, this is almost always the right path. The case is dismissed at successful completion – no conviction, no record (for most purposes). I evaluate eligibility on every drug case at the first consultation.