The Judge really has no ability to change, dismiss, reduce the charge - only the Prosecutor can.
Some Commissioners/Judges ask the Prosecutors in their court, not to speak with defendants who represent themselves (to protect the def from making an incriminating statement to the Prosecutor who can be a witness agin Def.) ... in those courts, a Def has to ask the Judge if he may speak with the Prosecutor off the record.
In most courts, after you sign a waiver of atty, the Prosecutor will make an offer on your case. It's at that point (usually at the first appearance - the arraignment and plea) that you would know what diversion program is available.).
... when you appear, you usually sign in at the clerk's window, if you're 'pro per' and sign the paperwork, then proceed to the correct court. In court, the Prosecutor will appear with the cases for that day (s/he'll see yours for the first time that morning); the Proseutor will go thru their calendar & usually make offers, on the spot, for the pro pers who haven't appeared before the Judge yet. The Pros will confirm what you're charged with, offer a plea and ask you how you want to plead. Depending on their calendar, they may only have a minute, so either decide or tell them you want to think about it as it is new to you, and have a seat & ask the Prosecutor to put you at the back of their calendar for now. Approach them (or ask the Bailiff if you can) when they appear free and discuss it further. Your case is probably one of fifty on that day's calendar & the Prosecutor may also be in trial or doing Preliminary Hearings in between the calendar. It may be a good idea to take your time, be sure you understand what is being required of you, and don't rush to get out of court. (If the Prosecutor is offering something like 12 Narcotic Anonymous meetings for a dismissal, I'd jump on it & not wait - just be sure you understand the offer.)
The most informed, and usually among the kindest, person in court is the Bailiff - person in Sheriff's uniform, running security and helping with the calendar. If you can approach the Bailiff, when the court is quiet, they often can give you info.
If you decide to appear 'in pro per' (representing yourself), and the Prosecutor doesn't make an offer other than a straight conviction, ask for a continuance to hire an atty. Even if you come back without an atty, there may be a different Prosecutor or you can gather more info in the interim (if no Prosecutor deviation offered, then ck the DEJ program).
The people who know that Judge and Prosecutor best are the staff - the Bailiff, court clerk, reporter, etc. You can often approach them in the afternoon, when it's quieter, and get helpful info (including who is the best atty for your problem).
Good luck.
