First-Time Offenders at Santa Clarita Court
In the Santa Clarita Criminal Court, there are a wide variety of cases, starting at the infraction level, such as traffic tickets, ranging all of the way to felony cases, such as Grand Theft and Drug Possession. While many criminal cases in this court carry jail sentences, there are a number of options available to first-time offenders.
When a person is arrested for a felony violation in the Santa Clarita Valley the case is typically set in court three weeks from that date. While the arresting agency does not have discretion in deciding how "wobbler" felony/misdemeanor cases be processed at the time of arrest, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office does. This makes it extremely important for someone arrested for charges such as Grand Theft, Burglary, Possession of Controlled Substances (including Methamphetamine), Weapon Possession, and Assault.
First-Time Offenders are given some consideration for other alternatives, and it is important for your attorney to explain to you what criteria can be provided on your behalf to the District Attorney.
If your Santa Clarita Criminal Defense Attorney takes early intervention on your behalf, the District Attorney may consider filing less-serious charges, consider Diversion, consider early termination of the case (including expungement), or even consider an Office Hearing instead of a criminal filing.
First-Time Offenders are the most-likely to be rehabilitated, from the court and DA's perspective, so it is important for an attorney to be thorough in evaluating all available options in these cases.