Which action indicates final adjudication in a deferred disposition case?

• A. The judge dismisses the case.
• B. The judge sets a new trial date.
• C. The judge issues a postponement.
• D. The judge signs the final judgment of guilty.

Answer: (D)

In a deferred disposition, guilt is not decided right away; the case is put on hold while the defendant meets certain conditions. The moment the judge signs the final judgment of guilty, the court officially resolves the case and adjudicates guilt. That signing is the formal end of the deferment and the point at which the court’s determination becomes final in the record. If conditions are met, the typical path after this point can be a dismissal of the charge, but the critical indicator of final adjudication is the entry of a final judgment of guilty.

Why the other actions don’t indicate final adjudication: dismissing the case ends the matter, often after successful completion, and isn’t itself an active determination of guilt. Setting a new trial date or issuing a postponement simply delays the process and keeps the deferment in place; neither represents a final decision on guilt.