FREE 20 MINUTE CONSULTATION 760-643-4025 HOME MEET JOEL PRACTICE AREAS ARTICLES RESOURCES BLOG CASE RESULTS RECOMMENDATIONS CONTACT DOES MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION APPLY TO A DUI (23152 CVC)? DOES MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION APPLY TO A DUI (23152 CVC)? In June of 2018, the California legislature passed a law allowing for Mental Health diversion of misdemeanor and felony cases which became effective January 1, 2019. Diversion is a legal concept where someone charged with a criminal offense is “diverted” or sent outside the criminal justice system to address their problems, and if they comply with the court orders for a period of time (at least one and not more than two years) the matter will be dismissed. Mental Health Diversion is available pre-plea only, and cannot be applied retroactively to cases already finalized. For more general aspects of Mental health Diversion, please see this page: https://www.joelbailey.com/mental-health-diversion The diversion statute specifically lists mental conditions that are eligible: The court is satisfied that the defendant suffers from a mental disorder as identified in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder, And particularly excludes certain diagnoses: but excluding antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and pedophilia. Evidence of the defendant's mental disorder shall be provided by the defense and shall include a recent diagnosis by a qualified mental health expert. In opining that a defendant suffers from a qualifying disorder, the qualified mental health expert may rely on an examination of the defendant, the defendant's medical records, arrest reports, or any other relevant evidence. The statute also specifically prohibits the application of law to certain violations: (2) A defendant may not be placed into a diversion program, pursuant to this section, for the following current charged offenses: (A) Murder or voluntary manslaughter. (B) An offense for which a person, if convicted, would be required to register pursuant to Section 290, except for a violation of Section 314. (C) Rape. (D) Lewd or lascivious act on a child under 14 years of age. (E) Assault with intent to commit rape, sodomy, or oral copulation, in violation of Section 220. (F) Commission of rape or sexual penetration in concert with another person, in violation of Section 264.1. (G) Continuous sexual abuse of a child, in violation of Section 288.5. (H) A violation of subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 11418. **So if you noticed, DUI (23152 CVC) is not a prohibited charge for Mental Health Diversion. WHY WOULD THE COURT DENY A QUALIFYING DEFENDANT SUFFERING FROM A CONDITION? There is a case (People v. Weatherhill (1989) 215 Cal.App.3d 1569) that states “all driving under the influence defendants without exception, shall have their guilt or innocence determined without delay or diversion”. The legislature then created statutes specifically prohibiting diversion: 23202, 23206 and now 23640 CVC: “. . .[In DUI cases]. . . the court shall not suspend or stay the proceedings for the purpose of. . . attending education, training or treatment programs”. Many courts interpret this as an explicit prohibition against diversion treatment on DUI cases. However, in a similar context, Military diversion ( https://www.joelbailey.com/military-diversion-2) under 1001.80 PC was similarly opposed by prosecutors, yet now is available to all military active duty and veterans. Aggressive representation with creative arguments can achieve good things, and may prevent a DUI conviction, even in cases where there is no defense. Call today for a free consultation 760 643 4025. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES (IID'S) DUI REFUSAL DOES MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION APPLY TO A DUI (23152 CVC)? DUI'S AND DMV SUSPENSIONS CONTACT OUR FIRM IF YOU ARE A HUMAN, IGNORE THIS FIELD NAME * PHONE * EMAIL * MESSAGE * AWARDS OFFICE LOCATION 380 S Melrose Dr #349 Vista, CA 92081 760-643-4025 Home Meet Joel Practice Areas Articles Resources Blog Case Results Recommendations Contact The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Copyright © 2021 Bailey Criminal Defense, Inc. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Anti-spam