How Does PTI Work in NJ?

August 4, 2020

The pre-trial intervention program (PTI) is a New Jersey program that gives first-time offenders the opportunity to seek other consequences in lieu of jail time. This program was designed to provide certain offenders with the opportunity to rehabilitate in an attempt to reduce criminal behaviors and prevent a crime from ruining the rest of their life.

The pretrial intervention program includes the following:

Upon successful completion of the program’s requirements, the offender will not deal with a conviction or a permanent criminal record.
Rehabilitative services reduce the chances of the offender committing a similar crime again, leading to additional charges.

The program is low-cost or free and offers a full resolution of the case, meeting the needs of everyone involved. The pretrial intervention program also frees up city resources for other cases. This includes jail cells and court dates.

Who Qualifies For the Pretrial Intervention Program?

The New Jersey pretrial intervention program is only available to individuals who are:

Adults
New Jersey residents
Dealing with minor charges that are non-violent
Free of any previous records or convictions

Individuals who are currently on probation or parole will not usually qualify for the pretrial intervention program. However, all applications are at the discretion of the Administrative Office of the Courts.

What Can I Expect From the Pretrial intervention Program?

Participants in the pretrial intervention program are expected to fulfill all of its requirements, which include:

Full participation in the program for the required timeline, usually between one-three years
Participation in random urine and drug monitoring
Completion of all communication service requirements
Willingness to cover all required fees
Willingness to undergo psychological testing or substance abuse evaluations

If an offender agrees to become a part of the program, they must be willing to follow all program requirements. However, upon the completion of this program, their charges will be dropped, and they will no longer have a criminal record. If they violate any rules that the program requires, then they will be removed from the program and will continue with the trial process.

Reasons to Consider the Pretrial Intervention Program

If you are facing criminal charges, there are a few reasons why you might consider the pretrial intervention program:

Reduced court and legal costs: Staying out of court and avoiding criminal charges can reduce the amount of legal fines that you are responsible for. Additionally, if you are left with a permanent criminal record, it could hurt your future career opportunities, which could further affect your financial future.
Lack of criminal record: A criminal record can impact your life in many ways. It can dictate the jobs you take, whether you qualify for student loans, if you can vote, and even if you can own a gun. The successful completion of this program means you don’t have to deal with the many consequences that come with having a criminal record on file.
The ability to receive the help needed: Drug abuse and addiction can lead to poor legal decisions. Under the program, individuals can receive the help they need.
The ability to learn from your mistakes: The program gives offenders the opportunity to learn from a poor decision, without having it affect the rest of their life.

If you want to find out if you qualify for the pretrial intervention program or you have some questions about what you can do during the program, then you should reach out to a criminal defense lawyer today. Our legal team is familiar with the program and can help walk you through the eligibility and completion requirements.

Contact an Experienced Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey

Were you arrested or charged with criminal charges in New Jersey? Do you want to find out if you qualify for the pretrial intervention program? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Zegas Law have successfully represented clients charged with criminal charges in Essex County, Union County, Middlesex County, Morris County, and throughout New Jersey. We’re also familiar with the pretrial intervention program. Call (973) 379-1999 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 60 Morris Turnpike, Summit, NJ 07901.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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