The agency conducts drug diversion eligibility interviews. According to California Penal Code Section 1000, a person accused of a drug offense, with no prior drug convictions, is eligible to have the charges dismissed after completing a drug treatment program. The agency's staff reviews the defendant's criminal record and history of drug use, prepares a written recommendation to the court, and tracks the defendant's progress on diversion. Monitoring arraignment court proceedings and recording release dispositions.
Staff is available to the judge to conduct additional interviews and to answer questions.
Providing follow-up services for all defendants released on O.R., reminding them of each court date until final disposition of the case. Preparing monthly statistical reports on the number of interviews, O.R. releases, drug diversion interviews, and case dispositions. The services rendered by the Berkeley O.R. Project are invaluable. We are able to rely on their thoroughness and complete impartiality. The cost benefit to the county of a reliable source of O.R. information cannot be underrated.