Alhambra, Prostitution in Pasadena, AB 2124 Diversion

Alhambra Superior Courthouse

The client called our office about a week later, worried about what to expect and concerned that he might lose his job in the defense industry with a conviction for solicitation of prostitution.

Greg spoke with the client and listened to the client describe what happened. Greg explained how such cases are often handled by prosecutors, but that as of January 1, 2015, there would be a new judicial diversion program available in Los Angeles County for most low-level misdemeanor offenses for folks who had no prior criminal history. If the defendant completed the program, the case would be dismissed with no conviction. It was a great opportunity for someone who had a lapse in judgment, like our client, to avoid the scar or stigma of a conviction.

Greg told the client that the goal in our client’s case would be to delay the case until into 2015 (about three months) and then to submit a brief to the judge to request such a program once it became available.

When Greg first appeared for the client, the initial offer made by the prosecutor was a $300 fine, plus penalties and assessments (about $1,400 total), completion of an AIDS Education class and testing, plus three years of informal, or summary, probation. The problem with such an offer was our client would be convicted if he accepted such a plea bargain.

Greg continued the matter for three months and then submitted a motion for imposition of judicial diversion under Penal Code § 1001.94 to § 1001.98 (AB 2124). The Alhambra Superior Court judge granted the motion and assigned the matter to judicial diversion upon condition that the client complete an AIDS Education program and test and perform five days of approved community service within one year.

When the client completes this, the case would be dismissed if the client stays out of trouble for the year.

The client accepted the deal, relieved to avoid a conviction for a misdemeanor, pleased to avoid almost $1,400 in fines and happy to earn a dismissal in a year. He knew that with the dismissal, he would not face possible problems with his job and not have to face any embarrassing questions about what happened.

For more information about the issues in this case summary, click on the following articles:

1. What Is Penal Code § 647(b), Prostitution and Solicitation for Prostitution?
2. What Is Diversion, Delayed Entry of Plea and Deferred Entry of Judgment?
3. AB 2124 – The New Pilot Program for Diversion of First-Time, Low Level Offenders in Los Angeles County Only

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