Criminal procedure: Safer Communities Through Opportunities Act.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Failed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, the Safer Communities Through Opportunities Act, would allow courts in California to offer pretrial diversion to felony defendants under certain conditions. It requires courts to consider factors like public safety risks and the defendant’s potential to benefit from services offered in a diversion plan. If a defendant successfully completes the plan, the original criminal charges are dismissed, and the arrest is treated as if it never occurred. The bill also outlines procedures for reinstating criminal proceedings if certain issues arise during the diversion period.
Key provisions
- Allows pretrial diversion for felony offenses, subject to exceptions.
- Requires courts to assess risk to public safety and the defendant’s potential benefit during diversion.
- Authorizes consideration of information from various parties, including defense counsel, prosecutors, and victims.
- Permits courts to order tailored diversion plans with specific terms and conditions.
- Provides a process for reinstating criminal proceedings if the defendant commits a related offense during diversion.
- Requires restitution if the defendant would otherwise be liable.
- Protects the confidentiality of information related to the diversion plan.
- Allows for modification of the diversion plan if the defendant is not meeting requirements.
Who is affected
- Defendants facing felony charges
- Prosecutors
- Defense attorneys
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
4 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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