Section 17.2.
Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 17.2.
in effect(a)
It is the intent of the Legislature that the disposition of any criminal case use the least restrictive means available.
(b)
The court presiding over a criminal matter shall consider alternatives to incarceration, including, without limitation, collaborative justice court programs, diversion, restorative justice, and probation.
(c)
The court shall have the
discretion to determine the appropriate sentence according to relevant statutes and the sentencing rules of the Judicial Council.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026
