A state judge Thursday granted a Honolulu police officer’s request for an opportunity to avoid conviction by deferring her no-contest pleas to insurance fraud and attempted second-degree theft.

If Cheyenne Garcia stays out of trouble for the next five years and pays a $500 fine, she can have the charges removed from her criminal record.

Her lawyer said Garcia got into a fender-bender after her automobile insurance had expired, called the insurer to reinstate her coverage then reported the accident occurred after she renewed her policy. The insurance company investigated the $2,100 claim and refused to pay it.

Garcia, 29, joined the Honolulu Police Department in 2008 and remains employed as an officer. However, her lawyer said Garcia expects to lose her job.