California Counties Can Create Pretrial Parental Incarceration Diversion Programs In 2020

Starting January 1, 2020, California counties will have the option to create a special pretrial diversion program for defendants who are primary caregivers of a child under 18 years of age. The goal is to avoid separating parents and children due to incarceration. The program would be for parents or legal guardians of a minor living in the same household who are charged with a misdemeanor or a non-serious, non-violent felony. The crime can not have been committed against the child. The parent or legal guardian must also provide care or financial support for the child.  

The new . . .