What is a deferred sentence?
A ‘deferred sentence’ is often given to first time offenders as part of a plea bargain. In a ‘deferred sentence’ the accused enters a plea of guilty and the judge withholds a finding of guilt for a period of time. During that time, the accused must make certain payments, complete community service, or some kind of counseling program. If the accused successfully completes these tasks prior to their reappearance before the judge, they are allowed to withdraw their guilty plea and the case is dismissed and the court record is expunged. The most important thing about a ‘deferred sentence’ is it is NOT a guilty verdict.
