Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Compton, CA

The mental health diversion statute, Penal Code Section 1001.36, provides opportunities for pretrial resolution of serious cases. It is a form of pre-plea diversion, meaning the accused does not have to enter a guilty or no contest plea before being placed on diversion. If successful in the 2-year program, the accused will qualify to have the case dismissed without a conviction. The statutory goal is to allow clients to keep a clean record while obtaining the needed psychiatric care, to prevent any recidivism. Here are some examples of my firm's recent cases qualifying for MHD dismissal: 1. Residential Burglary: At the Airport Courthouse, a defendant was placed on mental health diversion on the charge of residential burglary, where she entered the home of an attorney late at night and slept in a guest room bed. 2. Kidnapping In Riverside County, a defendant charged with kidnapping an acquaintance at gunpoint was granted diversion based on evidence that he suffered a psychotic break. This case is notable not only for the very serious charges diverted but also for the mental disorder's temporary nature in question. 3. Vandalism/Fighting with Law enforcement In the Van Nuys Courthouse, the court granted mental health diversion to a defendant charged with multiple counts of felony vandalism and resisting arrest after a psychotic break led him to cause tens of thousands of dollars in property damage to homes and vehicles in a residential neighborhood.