Why Some Crimes in California Don’t Lead to Jail Time

California’s diversion law was designed to steer some defendants away from jail and into treatment. But when the same statute produces very different outcomes across the state, what determines how much risk the public is expected to accept? In this episode, Deputy District Attorney Matt Greco and San Francisco public defender Matt SotoRosen explain how the law works in practice and where its impact holds or falls short.

00:00 – Intro

01:50 – Serious Crimes Committed While in Diversion

05:33 – Alternatives to Diversion and the Cost of Incarceration

30:03 – Effectiveness of Diversion and Judicial Discretion

42:35 – Diversion and Its Impact on Public Safety