Daniel SterlingOn July 13, 2026, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office assigned Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson — the 27-year-old who signed a three-year, $57 million extension with Los Angeles earlier this year — to a pre-filing diversion program following his June 9 arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence. The decision means no criminal charges will be filed against Jackson at this time, though the case remains open.
His case illustrates a legal pathway that few people outside the criminal justice system understand: pre-filing diversion, an alternative to prosecution available to eligible individuals before formal charges are ever filed. For anyone facing a domestic violence allegation — athlete or not — understanding how this process works, what it costs, and what happens if it goes wrong can make a decisive difference.
What Happened: From West Hills to City Hall
On June 9, 2026, Jackson was arrested at his West Hills home after police responded to a domestic disturbance call. According to reports from NBC4, the incident allegedly involved Jackson attempting to take a phone from a woman who was recording him. She sustained scratches on her arm. He posted $50,000 bail and was released.
After the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office declined to pursue felony charges, the case was referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for possible misdemeanor prosecution — a common step when police initially classify an incident as a felony but prosecutors determine the evidence supports only a misdemeanor charge.
On July 13, just over a month after the arrest, the City Attorney's office assigned Jackson to a pre-filing diversion program rather than proceeding with a misdemeanor filing. The Rams issued a statement saying they take domestic violence matters seriously but could not comment further on an ongoing legal situation.
What Pre-Filing Diversion Actually Means
Pre-filing diversion is a formal prosecutorial tool that sits between an arrest and a criminal charge. Under this framework, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office refers eligible individuals to supervised programs — which may include counseling, community service, batterers' intervention courses, or substance abuse treatment — before deciding whether to file a formal charge.
Critically, participation is voluntary. If the individual completes the program successfully, the City Attorney typically closes the case without filing charges. The arrest may still appear on a background check, but no conviction ever exists.
If the person fails to comply or is arrested again during the diversion period, the City Attorney can file the original charge — or a more serious one.
The program is available only to individuals whose cases involve non-serious or first-time misdemeanor-level conduct. Domestic violence matters must meet specific criteria set by the City Attorney's Office. Not every domestic violence case qualifies. Factors including prior criminal history, the nature of the alleged conduct, and the wishes of the alleged victim all weigh in the decision.
From Felony to Misdemeanor: How the Prosecution Funnel Works in California
California's charging funnel confuses many people because police reports and prosecutorial decisions are made by different agencies with different standards.
When police respond to a domestic violence call, California Penal Code § 836 requires them to arrest the suspect if they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred. This is true regardless of whether the alleged victim wants to press charges.
The police then submit the report to the DA's office (for felony-level conduct) or the City Attorney (for misdemeanor-level conduct). The DA and City Attorney independently evaluate the evidence and decide whether to file charges. This explains how Jackson could be arrested on suspicion of a felony and end up in misdemeanor diversion: the DA declined the felony, and the City Attorney chose diversion over a misdemeanor filing.
Under California Penal Code § 273.5, corporal injury on an intimate partner is a "wobbler" — meaning it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the severity of injury and the defendant's criminal history. Scratches, absent other aggravating factors, commonly result in misdemeanor-level filing, which falls under City Attorney jurisdiction.
The Stakes: One Scenario, Two Very Different Outcomes
Consider a 32-year-old man — call him Marcus — arrested in Los Angeles in August 2026 after police respond to an argument at his apartment. His partner has a minor bruise on her wrist. Marcus has no prior criminal history. Police classify the arrest as a potential felony violation of Penal Code § 273.5.
The DA reviews the case and, because the injury is minor and Marcus has no record, refers it to the City Attorney's Office for possible misdemeanor filing under Penal Code § 243(e)(1). The City Attorney evaluates whether Marcus is eligible for pre-filing diversion.
If Marcus participates in and completes diversion — typically a 52-week batterers' intervention program plus any conditions the City Attorney imposes — no criminal charge is ever filed. Marcus has no conviction. His professional license, say he holds a contractor's license, remains intact. His total legal exposure is approximately $2,400 for the 52-week program plus $2,500–$5,000 in attorney fees.
If Marcus refuses diversion or fails to complete it, the City Attorney files the misdemeanor. A conviction under § 243(e)(1) carries up to one year in county jail, a $2,000 fine, and a 10-year federal prohibition on owning firearms under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). His licensing board is notified. An employer with a morality clause in his contract may terminate him.
The total financial gap between successfully completing diversion and a conviction — accounting for lost income, fines, licensing consequences, and legal fees — commonly exceeds $50,000 to $200,000. That gap is precisely why a criminal defense attorney's involvement at the pre-filing stage, before the City Attorney has finalized its decision, is essential.
What the Law Requires — and Common Misconceptions
Several misunderstandings circulate about domestic violence charges in California:
Myth: The alleged victim can drop the charges. In California, once police report an arrest, it is the prosecutor — not the alleged victim — who decides whether to file charges. The victim's cooperation matters, but it does not control the outcome.
Myth: Pre-filing diversion erases the arrest. Diversion does not seal or expunge the arrest record automatically. A separate petition for record sealing under California Penal Code § 851.91 may be needed after diversion is complete.
Myth: A first-time offense always leads to diversion. Diversion is discretionary. The City Attorney is not required to offer it even to first-time defendants, and the nature of the incident — especially if injuries are present — can result in a direct misdemeanor filing instead.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Domestic violence law varies by jurisdiction and involves matters with significant consequences for your life and finances. Consult a licensed criminal defense attorney for advice specific to your situation.
When to Call a Lawyer — Before Charges Are Filed
Many people arrested on domestic violence suspicion assume they should wait until charges are formally filed before hiring a lawyer. This is frequently a costly mistake.
The pre-filing stage — the window between arrest and a formal charging decision — is often the most important moment for legal intervention. A criminal defense attorney can contact the prosecutor before charges are filed to present evidence or context supporting diversion or outright dismissal, advise on whether the diversion program terms are standard or negotiable, identify grounds for record sealing after diversion is complete, and prevent a client from inadvertently violating protective order conditions while the case is being evaluated.
In Jackson's case, the timeline from arrest (June 9) to diversion assignment (July 13) is 34 days — roughly the window in which a lawyer's involvement can shape the outcome. According to the California Courts self-help center, individuals facing criminal proceedings are entitled to legal representation at every stage. A private attorney with domestic violence case experience typically offers more proactive pre-filing advocacy than a public defender carrying a full caseload.
What This Means for Jackson — and Anyone in a Similar Position
For Alaric Jackson, the immediate consequence of diversion is that he can continue playing for the Rams in the 2026 season. The NFL's personal conduct policy does not automatically suspend players who have not been charged, though the league may conduct its own investigation independently of the criminal process.
The $57 million in his contract, however, contains standard conduct clauses. If Jackson fails to complete the diversion program and is subsequently charged and convicted, the Rams could invoke clauses permitting them to void guaranteed money. That financial exposure — on top of criminal consequences — underscores why the diversion assignment, handled carefully, is the most favorable available outcome.
For anyone who finds themselves in a similar position — after an arrest, before charges, unsure of their rights — the guidance is the same regardless of whether your contract is worth $57 million or $57,000: consult a criminal defense attorney immediately, at the pre-filing stage, not after the prosecution has already decided what to do with your case. The 34-day window closes faster than most people expect.
