Mental Health Diversion [Penal Code Section 1001.36]

I was charged with two counts of Vehicle Code 23109.1 [Engaging in a Speed Contest Causing Specified Injury] as a felony; two counts of Vehicle Code 23105(a) [Reckless Driving Causing Specified Injury], one count of Penal Code Section 368(b)(1) [Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse] as a felony; and a misdemeanor count of Vehicle Code Section 23103(a) [reckless driving]. I was also charged with 7 enhancements under Penal Code Section 12022.7(a) [Great Bodily Injury]; [A psychotic episode occurred while the Defendant was driving his car. He severely injured two people. His total prison exposure is 27 years.] I had battled mental health issues for many years. I hired Attorney Will Bruzzo to represent me. He recommended the Mental Health Diversion Program [Penal Code Section 1001.36] for me. He had me evaluated by a mental health professional and a report was submitted to the Court as part of a Mental Health Diversion Petition. I caused severe injuries to my passenger and another driver. Despite it all, Mr. Bruzzo got me accepted into the program. I must adhere to a plan of treatment. After about a year of treatment [without further criminal problems and adherence to the program] I can get all the CHARGES DISMISSED [and sealed and not serve any jail time.] I am very grateful to Mr. Bruzzo and the Court for this opportunity. Dated: 9-27-22

I experienced some mental health issues later in life and ended up committing a crime and needing the services of Attorney Will Bruzzo. During a psychotic episode I committed a theft in the presence of a store manager and allegedly used force to try and take the item. I was charged with Penal Code Section 211 (Robbery) which is a strike offense and carries up to 5 years in prison. My family was referred to Mr. Bruzzo by another lawyer and he began representing me by appearing in court with me. I was still in a psychotic state at the time and Mr. Bruzzo worked with my family to lower my bail and get me out of jail and into treatment so I could be stabilized. After leaving jail I was admitted into a facility and stabilized with medications and therapy. I recovered quickly. Mr. Bruzzo advised me and my family of a fairly new program in California called Mental Health Diversion [Penal Code Section 1001.36]. This program permits an individual to pause the criminal proceedings while undergoing a structured plan of mental health treatment which has been approved by the Judge. Once the approved mental health plan is completed the charges against the Defendant are Dismissed. Mr. Bruzzo felt I was a good candidate for that program because of my lack of a record, high education level and some of the mitigating facts of my crime. Mr. Bruzzo told me he had gotten other clients into the same program. I was evaluated by a court approved psychologist who was chosen by Mr. Bruzzo. She found me a good candidate for Mental Health Diversion and her report indicating such was submitted to the Court along with a Petition requesting Mental Health Diversion drafted by Mr. Bruzzo. In the end the court GRANTED my request to stop the criminal proceedings and permit me to complete a program we submitted to the court. Once I complete the program all the CHARGES WILL BE DISMISSED and I will even be able to get my ARREST SEALED. I will not be sentenced to any jail time and ...Date: 5-29-20

After a series of unfortunate events I became very depressed and drank too much alcohol. While I do not recall the events, I apparently evaded several police cars who had to use PIT maneuvers to try and stop me; I crashed into a civilian vehicle; [I drove in a road against traffic]; I also allegedly drove my vehicle at a police car; the Officer had to take evasive action to avoid me. After the police stopped me by using their patrol vehicles [to pin me] I was arrested at gun point. It was determined that my blood alcohol level over twice the limit. I later bailed out of jail oblivious as to what I had done. After this incident I understood that I had a [Mental Health, Substance Abuse] problem. I have no criminal record and I am a law-abiding person. I immediately sought psychiatric treatment, psychotherapy and substance abuse treatment. I was subsequently charged with Felony Penal Code Section 245(c) [Assault with weapon not a Firearm on a Peace Officer], Felony Vehicle Code Sections 2800.2 [Evading a peace officer/reckless driving], 2800.4 [Evading a Police Officer driving in opposite direction of lawfully moving traffic], Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a), 23152(b) [Drunk Driving] and Vehicle Code Section 20002(a) [Hit and Run with Property Damage]. I was facing up to a maximum of 10 years prison for these offenses. I was referred to Mr. Will Bruzzo by another criminal defense attorney because of his good reputation and contacts in Orange County. Mr. Bruzzo had me evaluated by a Forensic Psychologist. Then he told me he was going to petition the Court to allow me to participate in the Mental Health Diversion Program [Penal Code Section 1001.36]. If you are approved in this program all charges are DISMISSED upon completion [Must have a qualifying DSM Mental Disorder]. Mr. Bruzzo told me this would be a challenge but that we had to try it. To that end he filed the Petition for Mental Health Diversion and compiled my entire treatment history as well... Date: 11/15/1