Who has authority to grant deferred disposition?

• A. The judge
• B. The prosecutor
• C. The clerk
• D. The defendant

Answer: (A)

Deferred disposition is a court-ordered postponement of sentencing while the defendant must meet certain conditions. The judge has the authority to grant this deferral and to set the specific terms that must be followed. While the prosecutor can propose or agree to a deferral as part of a plea agreement, they do not have the final say. The clerk handles filing and administrative duties and does not grant deferrals. The defendant may request a deferral, but the decision rests with the judge. If the conditions are completed, the case can be dismissed or adjudication avoided; if not, the deferral ends and sentencing proceeds.