When may a defendant appeal his or her case after being granted deferred disposition?

• A. If the defendant fails to comply with the terms and the court enters a final judgment against the defendant.
• B. Immediately after the grant.
• C. Only after the deferral period ends.
• D. Only if the defendant requests an appeal.

Answer: (A)

When a case is put on deferred disposition, the court postpones a final judgment and gives the defendant a chance to meet conditions. While that deferral is in effect, there isn’t a final conviction to appeal. The right to appeal appears only if the deferral is breached and the court then enters a final judgment of guilt. At that point, the defendant may appeal that final judgment. If the defendant fully complies and the case is dismissed, there’s no conviction to appeal. So the only time an appeal becomes available is when noncompliance leads to a final judgment.