CHAPTER 2.6. Deferred Entry of Judgment Reentry Program [1000.8. - 1000.10.]

Cal. Penal Code - PEN 2.6.

in effect

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1000.8. Section 1000.8.

A superior court, with the concurrence of the prosecuting attorney of the county, may create a “Back on Track” deferred entry of judgment reentry program aimed at preventing recidivism among first-time nonviolent felony drug offenders. No defendant who has been convicted of a violation of an offense enumerated in subdivision (c) of Section 290 or in Section 1192.7 shall be eligible for the program established in this chapter. When creating this program, the prosecuting attorney, together with the presiding judge and a representative of the criminal defense bar selected by the presiding judge of the superior court may agree to establish a “Back on Track” deferred entry of judgment program pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The agreement shall specify which low-level nonviolent felony drug offenses under the Health and Safety Code will be eligible for the program and a process for selecting participants. The program shall have the following characteristics: (a) A dedicated calendar. (b) Leadership by a superior court judicial officer who is assigned by the presiding judge. (c) Clearly defined eligibility criteria to enter the program and clearly defined criteria for completion of the program. (d) Legal incentives for defendants to successfully complete the program, including dismissal or reduction of criminal charges upon successful completion of the program. (e) Close supervision to hold participants accountable to program compliance, including the use of graduated sanctions and frequent, ongoing appearances before the court regarding participants’ program progress and compliance with all program terms and conditions. The court may use available legal mechanisms, including return to custody if necessary, for failure to comply with the supervised plan. (f) Appropriate transitional programming for participants, based on available resources from county and community service providers and other agencies. The transitional programming may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: (1) Vocational training, readiness, and placement. (2) Educational training, including assistance with acquiring a G.E.D. or high school diploma and assistance with admission to college. (3) Substance abuse treatment. (4) Assistance with obtaining identification cards and driver’s licenses. (5) Parenting skills training and assistance in becoming compliant with child support obligations. (g) The program may develop a local, public-private partnership between law enforcement, government agencies, private employers, and community-based organizations for the purpose of creating meaningful employment opportunities for participants and to take advantage of incentives for hiring program participants.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1000.9. Section 1000.9.

The prosecuting attorney shall determine whether a defendant is eligible for participation in the deferred entry of judgment reentry program. (a) If the prosecuting attorney determines that this section may be applicable to the defendant, he or she shall advise the defendant and his or her attorney in writing of that determination. This notification shall include the following: (1) A full description of the procedures for deferred entry of judgment. (2) A general explanation of the role and authority of the prosecuting attorney, the program, and the court in the process. (3) A clear statement that in lieu of trial, the court may grant deferred entry of judgment with respect to the current crime or crimes charged if the defendant pleads guilty to each charge and waives time for the pronouncement of judgment, and that, upon the defendant’s successful completion of the program and the motion of the prosecuting attorney, the court will dismiss the charge or charges against the defendant and the provisions of Sections 851.90 and 1203.4 will apply. (4) A clear statement that failure to comply with any condition under the program may result in the prosecuting attorney or the court making a motion for entry of judgment, whereupon the court will render a finding of guilty to the charge or charges pled, enter judgment, and schedule a sentencing hearing as otherwise provided in this code. (5) An explanation of criminal record retention and disposition resulting from participation in the deferred entry of judgment program and the defendant’s rights relative to answering questions about his or her arrest and deferred entry of judgment following successful completion of the program. (b) If the prosecuting attorney determines that the defendant is eligible for the program, the prosecuting attorney shall state for the record the grounds upon which the determination is based and shall make this information available to the defendant and his or her attorney. This procedure is intended to allow the court to set the hearing for deferred entry of judgment at the arraignment. (c) If the prosecuting attorney determines that the defendant is ineligible for the program, the prosecuting attorney shall state for the record the grounds upon which the determination is based and shall make this information available to the defendant and his or her attorney. The sole remedy of a defendant who is found ineligible for deferred entry of judgment is a postconviction appeal. If the prosecuting attorney does not deem the defendant eligible, or the defendant does not consent to participate, the proceedings shall continue as in any other case. (d) Upon a motion by the prosecuting attorney for an entry of judgment, before entering a judgment of guilty, the court may hold a hearing to determine whether the defendant has failed to comply with the program and should be terminated from the program.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 1000.10. Section 1000.10.

The following provisions apply to this chapter: (a) A defendant’s plea of guilty shall not constitute a conviction for any purpose unless a judgment of guilty is entered pursuant to Section 1000.3. (b) Counties that opt to create a deferred entry of judgment reentry program pursuant to Section 1000.8 of the Penal Code shall not seek state reimbursement for costs associated with the implementation, development, or operation of that program. (c) To the extent county resources beyond those of the superior court and the district attorney are needed to implement the program, those agencies shall consult with the county board of supervisors and other impacted county agencies to assess resources before program implementation. (d) Local law enforcement agencies and counties administering the programs may seek federal or private funding for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this chapter.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026