Los Angeles County (Downey)
DOWNEY — Since the passage of a law last year giving bench officers the authority to grant diversion in misdemeanor cases over a prosecutor’s objections, Commissioner Evan A. Kitahara said he has issued several such orders.
Historically, prosecutors needed to agree to diversion, which can lead to dismissals of charges without trial.
“If for whatever reason they are not able to offer it, ... (continued)