Quote:
Originally Posted by upstatedoc
so no conviction right?
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Every state is different, but usually under a deferred judgment - the defendant will plead Guilty, but the judge will withhold his findings of guilt until after the period of time (usually 1 year). During that year, if the defendant fails to complete the diversion program (fails a drug test, doesn't do community service, commits another crime); then the judge will enter a finding of guilty and the "conviction" will result.
However, if he completed everything correctly and on time, then the judge will dismiss the case without a finding of guilt. Thus, "no conviction".
Every state is different but usually you have to go back and pay a fee to seal the records. But sometimes it's automatic, it varies by locality.