This is not an official website of the Sonoma District Attorney.
To visit the District Attorney's website, click here.
What is CAD Post Filing Diversion?
Community Accountability Diversion (CAD) Post-Filing Diversion is an innovative individualized accountability program for adult misdemeanor defendants, which takes the place of traditional court proceedings. CAD Post-Filing Diversion is authorized under Penal Code Section 1001.1, which allows for the postponement of criminal prosecution for certain specified misdemeanors.
The Sonoma County courts refer participants to the program.
The philosophy of CAD Post-Filing Diversion is to address the root causes of a person’s criminal involvement. The program goals are to educate defendants in targeted “life skills” and to expose them to the many available community resources that might assist them in becoming law abiding.
CAD Post-Filing Diversion begins with an individualized Diversion Plan Conference. During this Conference, an in-depth analysis results in a Diversion Plan tailored to the specific needs of the Defendant. A defendant may be referred to community resources for employment, education, drug/alcohol treatment, mental health, and/or any other appropriate community-based service.
NOTE: Most cases will still show a charge on the record, but will be dismissed if/when the case gets the correct input by the court.
Who is eligible for the program?
There are two criteria which need to be met:
1
2
The offender must be a first time offenders or offenders with "minimal criminal history".
The crime committed must be qualifying for the program.
How to apply for the program
When in court, if eligible, the defendant or his attorney may petition the court to consider diversion.
What to expect once in the program
Immediately following your court appearance (or within 48 hours) call CAD Post-Filing Diversion at (855) 211-0580 or visit CorrectiveSolutions' office to schedule your Diversion Plan Conference or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
You enroll in the program by scheduling and attending the Diversion Plan Conference and paying an enrollment fee of $40. You must complete the enrollment two weeks prior to your next your court appearance.
At the Diversion Plan Conference a customized Diversion Plan will be established for you. The Diversion Plan will contain the conditions that you must meet in order to successfully complete the Diversion. Conditions may include class attendance, community service and referrals to community resources.
The Program length is typically four (4) months and starts upon enrollment (day of your Diversion Plan Conference).
You must contact the Program once a month. The schedule for those contacts will be included in your Diversion Plan.
1
2
3
4
5