Q: I recently had my motion for intervention in lieu of conviction granted. Am I a convicted felon because I plead guilty?
I had a felony drug possession charge and I asked the courts to grant my motion for intervention in lieu of conviction. They granted it and I was placed under supervision by my counties probation department and my case has been stayed. I've been complying with all court orders and this case occured in ohio
A:
You are not convicted of this offense until you are sentenced. So, what happens in an Intervention In lieu case, in most courts, is that you plead to the offense. You are set for sentencing at a later date. Your case is then stayed until you complete whatever treatment or programs are required of you. It may take 6, 9 0r 12 months. Whatever the Judge determines. You then come back for sentencing, and if you completed whatever you were supposed to do, then the case against you is dismissed and you have NO felony conviction. However, if you fail to comply with the terms of the intervention, then the judge can convict you of the offense and sentence you at that time.
You have received a good break here. Take advantage of it.
Best wishes,
Pat DiChiro
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