What does "deferred adjudication" refer to in legal terms?

Deferred adjudication refers to a legal status wherein a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to a charge, but the court does not enter a final judgment of guilt. Instead, the court defers the adjudication of the case, which means that the defendant is put on a probationary period during which they must meet certain conditions set by the court, such as community service, counseling, or restitution. If the defendant successfully completes this period without any violations, the charge may be dismissed, and they can avoid a permanent criminal record.

This process allows individuals to potentially avoid the long-term consequences of a guilty verdict, as the guilty plea or verdict does not become a permanent part of their record unless they fail to comply with the conditions set forth by the court. This option is often used to encourage rehabilitation and offer a second chance, particularly for first-time or minor offenders.