By Simran Chahal
WOODLAND, CA – Yolo County Superior Court Monday didn’t let jurisdiction get in the way of making life a little easier for Michael Hunter, letting him earn credit through the Sacramento Recovery Court so he could have current charges dismissed in a Yolo County case.
In 2018, Hunter was charged with displaying a false registration tab to a police officer. He was ordered back on Oct. 22; however, he failed to appear.
The prosecution recommended the diversion program which costs about $200, but fees can be waived with proof of enrollment in governmental assistance programs. “We come back after six months, and dismissed the case,” explained the deputy district attorney.
However, Hunter said, “I am currently in Sacramento County Recovery Court and I’m doing good…getting my life back together. Is there any way we could work this along with Sacramento?”
Hunter explained “because I’m homeless, trying to piece my life back together, trying to get work, trying to get into a recovery program,…It would be kinda hard at this moment to jump along into your guys’ program because I go to class five days a week.”
The DDA stated that she would be willing to work with the defendant so long as “[he] brought minute orders for six months, then [she] would dismiss the case and call that the diversion program.”
Judge Tom Dyer added “that is completely reasonable,” agreeing with the accommodation.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 25.
