CA AB3234

Authorizes judges in superior court to offer misdemeanor diversion to defendants without prosecutor consent, with exceptions for sex offenses, domestic violence, and stalking charges.

Allows judges to continue diverted cases for up to 24 months with court-ordered terms and conditions; if defendant complies, the case must be dismissed and the arrest deemed never to have occurred.

Permits courts to end diversion and resume criminal proceedings if defendant fails to comply with imposed terms and conditions after a hearing.

Reduces the Elderly Parole Program eligibility age from 60 to 50 years old and lowers the minimum continuous incarceration requirement from 25 to 20 years.

Requires the Board of Parole Hearings to complete all eligible elderly parole hearings for individuals qualifying under the new criteria by December 31, 2022.