The state attorney general's office, which is handling the prosecution of Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Diana Hall for alleged campaign-finance violations, reportedly continued crafting an agreement that may allow the judge to avoid a trial.

The agreement between Hall's defense and the attorney general's office is expected to be finalized during an Oct. 17 hearing. Terms could include suspending charges against Hall for one year, after which time the charges would be dropped if the judge doesn't commit any other misdemeanors.

The charges against Hall stem from her allegedly disguising campaign contributions during her 2002 bid for reelection.