Final answer:
In criminal law, when a judge delays sentencing and offers the defendant the opportunity to complete a diversion program for charges to be dismissed, this is known as deferred adjudication. It is a legal alternative to incarceration and is frequently a component of a plea bargain, intended to help reduce recidivism by providing rehabilitation efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a defendant pleads guilty to a crime but the judge delays sentencing and proposes that completing a diversion program will lead to a dismissal of charges, this process is known as deferred adjudication. Deferred adjudication is an alternative to immediate sentencing and allows the defendant a chance to avoid a permanent criminal record. This is different from incarceration, which is the act of detaining a person in prison. Deferred adjudication can be part of a plea bargain, where the defendant agrees to plea to a lesser charge or abide by specific conditions in exchange for a more lenient punishment or dismissal of charges. Rehabilitation and diversion programs often include components such as therapy, counseling, educational and vocational training, and are generally seen as more effective than incarceration for reducing recidivism, especially in juveniles.