Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)
Many drug convictions in California can result in jail time, but alternative sentencing may allow you to avoid all or part of a jail sentence. A deferred entry of judgement, or DEJ, may be an option in a California drug case. Skilled CA drug lawyers from The Kavinoky Law Firm can analyze your case to determine whether a DEJ may be a possibility in your case.
Defendants seeking a DEJ plead guilty to the charges they face and will have an opportunity to withdraw their pleas after a year and a half if they have successfully completed the program requirements.
A defendant seeking a deferred entry of judgement must complete a drug treatment or education program and is placed on conditional probation. At the end of 18 months (or the time period set by the court), a defendant who has completed the drug education requirement, satisfied the terms of probation, avoided additional criminal charges and paid all fines and fees will be allowed to withdraw the guilty plea, and the original drug charges will be dismissed.
Only certain individuals are eligible for a DEJ. Defendants with convictions for violent crimes or those who have defaulted on another DEJ within the past five years won’t be considered. In addition, any defendant who fails to meet the requirements of the DEJ will have a judgement entered and will be sentenced accordingly.
If you’re facing a California drug offense, you may be eligible for a DEJ that will allow you to avoid jail and a criminal record. To learn more about a deferred entry of judgement in a California drug offense case, please contact a skilled CA drug lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm today at 1.800.NO.CUFFS for a free consultation.
