A Trial Lawyer You Can Trust

Find Out If A Diversion Program Or Specialty Court Is Right For You

In Tulare County, the court system is no longer a one-size-fits-all system in responding to allegations of criminal conduct. If you are suffering mental illness or are seeking an alternative sentence in a drug case, it may benefit you to get your case into specialty courts or diversion programs.

At the Law Offices of Derek P. Wisehart, we can help you figure out if any of these programs may work for you. Attorney Wisehart has over 20 years of criminal law experience. He understands the system and how it could work in your favor.

How Can These Programs Help You?

The point of the specialty courts and diversion programs is to find a solution to the problem that brought you into the criminal justice system rather than simply punish you for a crime. Different programs work in different ways because they are all trying to solve a unique problem. In some, you may have to complete a treatment program. In others, you may need to attend classes or counseling along with strict monitoring. Some programs focus on reducing the jail population, whereas others focus on improving mental health.

Know Your Options In Drug Cases

If you are facing charges for a drug offense, there are also other alternatives besides the Tulare County Drug Court Program that may be available to you under California law. We will help you find the path that makes the most sense for you, based on your unique situation. Options may include:

  • PC 1000. Taking its name from a section of the penal code, it is a court-ordered program offering diversion from criminal prosecution for first-time offenders charged with low-level drug offenses, for example, possession or use of certain drugs in small amounts. The idea is to give you a chance to get treatment instead of locking you up in jail. If you successfully complete treatment, it is possible to get the original charges against you dismissed.
  • Prop 36. Prop 36 diversion is somewhat different. Passed by the voters in 2000, it allows for defendants who meet the qualifying criteria to serve a probationary sentence instead of spending time behind bars. But as a condition of probation, participants must enter and complete an approved drug treatment program in the community.
  • Deferred entry of judgment. In drug cases, you may qualify for a deferred entry of judgment (DEJ) procedure. Like drug court and other diversion programs, this offers a chance to have charges dismissed.

Get The Knowledgeable Legal Advice You Need

With so many programs to consider, it is critical to get help from a criminal defense lawyer with up-to-date knowledge. Derek Wisehart is such a lawyer. Give us a call today to talk about how we can help you find the right path for your particular situation. To reach us, call 559-429-5630 or 800-742-6392, or fill out our email intake form.

Our Practice Areas

Criminal
Defense

Collaborative
Courts

Personal
Injury

Business And
Civil Litigation

Results And
Testimonials

You Need A Fighter On Your Side

Super Lawyers
State Bar Of California | CBLS | California Board Of Leal Specialization | Certified Since 2001
The National Trial Lawyers | Top 100 Trial Lawyers

How Can We Help You?