Los Angeles, CA asked in Criminal Law for California

Q: STATEMENT OF DEFENDANT ENTERING A GUILTY PLEA

On my STATEMENT OF DEFENDANT ENTERING A GUILTY PLEA that I signed one of the requirements on this document says that I must complete a substance abuse class. I remember the judge calling it an assessment instead of a class. There is a significant difference between the two. If I complete a substance abuse class but the court meant assessment. Will I still have satisfied my legal requirement?

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1 Lawyer Answer
John Karas
John Karas
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Temecula, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Unless you pled guilty straight up to the court (unrepresented by a Public Defender or private counsel), I suggest you talk with your attorney who assisted in the guilty plea entered. You can also contact the Court Clerk for the Criminal Division for the court (there are many courthouses in LA County) and get clarification.

Otherwise, if your paperwork say you are required to complete the substance abuse class, enroll and attend the class. Make sure you get a copy of the course completion in case the school fails to forward the certificate to the Clerk's Office so you have a record you did.

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