CA AB2124

Establishes a pilot program in Los Angeles County allowing judges to defer sentencing for up to 12 months for first-time misdemeanor defendants who plead guilty or nolo contendere, even over prosecution objection.

Requires defendants with deferred sentences to complete all court-ordered conditions, make full restitution, and comply with protective orders to have their plea struck and case dismissed.

Upon successful completion, the arrest is deemed never to have occurred and cannot be used against the defendant for employment, benefits, licenses, or certificates without their consent.

Disqualifies defendants from the program if they have prior convictions within 10 years, prior sentence deferrals, mandatory incarceration requirements, sex offender registration obligations, or charges involving violence, weapons, DUI, gang activity, domestic violence, or environmental crimes.

Requires the court, probation officer, or prosecutor to file a motion for judgment and sentence the defendant if they reoffend or fail to comply with court-ordered terms during the deferral period; program expires January 1, 2018.