California · Penal Code

PEN §17.2: (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the disposition of any criminal case use the least restrictive means available.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute directs courts to consider least-restrictive alternatives to incarceration in criminal cases, including diversion and restorative justice programs, and grants courts discretion in sentencing.

Read the full statutory text

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the disposition of any criminal case use the least restrictive means available. (b) The court presiding over a criminal matter shall consider alternatives to incarceration, including, without limitation, collaborative justice court programs, diversion, restorative justice, and probation. (c) The court shall have the discretion to determine the appropriate sentence according to relevant statutes and the sentencing rules of the Judicial Council.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.