What is deferred adjudication for a felony charge?

Deferred adjudication is a form of probation in which a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to a criminal offense but is not convicted by the court. Instead, the judge defers or delays entering a judgment of guilty, allowing the defendant to complete probation and possibly have the charges dismissed.

In the case of a felony charge, deferred adjudication is often offered as an alternative to a traditional sentence involving incarceration. If the defendant successfully completes the terms of their probation, which may include community service, drug testing, counseling, and restitution, the felony charge may be dismissed, and the defendant can avoid a conviction on their record.

It is important to note that deferred adjudication is not available for all felony charges and may vary depending on the state and the circumstances of the case. Additionally, while completing deferred adjudication successfully can lead to the dismissal of the charges, it does not automatically expunge the record, and the arrest and case information may still be visible to the public.

Overall, deferred adjudication can offer a second chance for individuals facing felony charges to avoid a conviction and move forward with their lives without the stigma of a criminal record.