If you have a clear record and are charged with a criminal case in Houston such as theft or drug possession, there are two ways to keep these off your criminal record. With deferred adjudication, you will have to plead guilty, and the judge will set aside finding of guilt until you’ve completed probation successfully. Pretrial diversion is a program you first must apply to be accepted into, and every court has different requirements. If you are accepted into the program, you sign a 1 year contract with the DA’s office with specific conditions you must meet. After successful completion, the case will be dismissed. Learn more about deferred adjudication and pretrial diversion.