What does deferred judgment mean and what goes on your criminal record after your probation is over?

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What does deferred judgment mean and what goes on your criminal record after your probation is over?

I was convicted for shoplifting. I plead guilty because they offered me a plea bargain. I am currently on unsupervised probation and I had to take a theft seminar that I’ve already completed. This is my first offense and I am 19 years old.

Asked on March 5, 2012 under Criminal Law, Colorado

Answers:

Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

A deferred judgment means that although you plead guilty, no conviction will go on your actual criminal record if you successfully complete the court-ordered probationary terms and your case will be dismissed. If you do not meet a successful completion of probation, which includes checking in with your probation officer, then the judge or district attorney can impose a conviction of criminal charges for shoplifting that will go on your record. The court-ordered probation is different for each person, as is the set period of time. There are different conditions of probation but commonly, a person is required to do community service during their probationary period. Given your age, you want to do everything possible to ensure that this case is dismissed so you will not have a criminal record or criminal history.

Brendan Kelly / Law Office of Brendan M. Kelly, P.C.

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

It means that they have agreed to not file the charge as long as you are successful on the deferred judgment. After it is all said and done have a lawyer request the matter be sealed. You should not end up with a criminal conviction.


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