Pretrial Intervention PTI Program in NJ

Camden County NJ Pre-Trial Intervention Program Attorneys

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Camden, New Jersey

New Jersey provides several diversionary programs for first-time offenders charged with certain crimes. The Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI) is one such alternative that allows you to have your criminal charges dismissed by successfully completing program requirements during a probationary term. If you are charged with a indictable crime (also known as a felony), you have no prior criminal record, and you have never used a diversionary program like PTI, conditional discharge, or conditional dismissal before, you may be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to avoid a criminal record and any incarceration you may be facing, which is why it is essential to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about all of your legal options if you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey.

The NJ criminal defense lawyers at our firm have been helping clients resolve criminal charges such as heroin possession, intent to distribute marijuana, burglary, theft, and possession of prescription drugs for years. Attorney William Fay, one of our partners, is a former Deputy Attorney General for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. He uses his unparalleled knowledge about the ins and outs of state prosecutions to provide superior defense. Mr. Fay and our team of diligent criminal defense lawyers stop at nothing to deliver the best possible results to our clients. If you have been arrested and face criminal charges in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, or elsewhere in South Jersey, contact our office now at 609-832-3202 for a free consultation. We are available anytime to discuss your case and your legal options.

The Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI): The Basics

In order to apply for admission into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI) in New Jersey, you must first confirm that you’re eligible. The criteria for PTI eligibility are as follows:

  • You must be an adult (PTI does not apply in juvenile cases);
  • You must be charged with an indictable offense (typically a third degree or fourth degree crime);
  • You must not have not been previously convicted of a criminal offense; and
  • You must not have used a diversionary program before (i.e. conditional discharge, conditional dismissal

More often than that, defendants who are already on probation or parole are not considered viable candidates for the Pre-trial Intervention Program. Also, individuals charged with first degree and second degree crimes are generally not accepted into PTI.

Applying for the Pre-Trial Intervention Program

After the first step of finding out if you are eligible, you must make an application to the Court for admission into the PTI program in the county in which your charges were filed. This process is best done with the assistance of an attorney. The application fee is $75. Once you submit an application for the Pre-trial Intervention Program, you will be interviewed by the probation department. A probation officer will inquire about your background, current job situation, the nature of the charges you are facing, and any other relevant factors.

Then, the probation department must determine that you are a good candidate for the Pre-trial Intervention Program and recommend you to the County Prosecutor’s Office. In order to gain admission into PTI, both the probation department and County Prosecutor’s Office must approve it in your case. If the County Prosecutor rejects your application, you are entitled to appeal this determination. If you are accepted into PTI, you will enter a term of probation and be required to comply with the program’s conditions. The term of probation can range from a minimum of one year to up to three years.

Conditions of the PTI Program in New Jersey

Once you become enrolled in the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, the criminal charges are suspended while you are under supervision. This suspension will continue until the probationary period concludes. While on PTI probation, you must comply with the program’s requirements and any other conditions set forth by the Judge in your case. Some of the conditions of PTI may include: not being arrested or charged with another offense, paying fines and fees, performing community service, reporting to a probation officer, undergoing psychological testing, submitting to random urine tests, avoiding drugs and alcohol, seeking mental health counseling, notifying the probation department if you move or plan to leave the state, maintaining employment, being enrolled in school, making restitution payments, and/or having no contact with the victim in your case.

If you complete PTI during this probationary period, the original charges against you are dismissed. Six months after successfully completing the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, you can apply for an expungement to remove the arrest and underlying charges from your criminal record. If your expungement is granted, you can answer “no” to questions like “have you ever been arrested?” and have a clean record appear on a criminal background check. This is extremely important, particularly when you are pursuing employment opportunities or applying to institutions of higher learning.

Contact a Camden County NJ Pre-Trial Intervention Program Lawyer Today

For additional information and to find out if you may be eligible for the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program in New Jersey, contact the New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at our criminal defense law firm at 609-832-3202. You can also reach out online to arrange a free consultation with a lawyer who can help.

Testimonials

testimonials reviews
"Excellent criminal defense lawyer"

"William handled a matter for me and exceeded my expectations. He was excellent in all areas of the law and achieved an outstanding result. Best of all,he demonstrates honesty and integrity. I would highly recommend William and already have."

Wayne

testimonials reviews
"Amazing!!!"

"I was so scared and nervous about my legal situation but Mr. Fay did an outstanding job with my case!!! I was so relieved with the outcome and he worked so hard for me! He was so calm and understanding and I’m so grateful for him. Thank you so very much for helping me! I am so grateful appreciative."

Jessica

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"All Charges Dropped & Expunged"

"William defended me in my marijuana + paraphernalia case, he had all charges dropped and expunged! Despite the fact I was long past conditional discharges/probation, etc. He has a sharp wit and a bright future ahead of him as an attorney. Thanks again Will!"

Andrew

testimonials reviews
"Fantastic Lawyer"

"Mr. Fay is a fantastic lawyer. He helped me during a very stressful time in my life. He was knowledgeable about my case and what my options were. He answered all my questions and was very reassuring. He was there waiting for me at the entrance on my court date and made me feel at ease. He worked with the prosecutor to reduce my charges. I got the best outcome I could have hoped for. I highly recommend Mr. Fay if you need a lawyer."

Eric

testimonials reviews
"Marijuana Charges"

"I was arrested and summoned to court for possession of marijuana, even though I didn't have any on me. It was my first time getting in trouble and I was terrified and nervous. Mr. Fay came into court prepared and was extremely assuring. He made it very clear that he was going to fight for my case until the very end. He was extremely knowledgable about my case and the ways to resolve it. I would recommend Mr. Fay to anyone who has gotten into trouble."

former client

testimonials reviews
"Excellent lawyer. Highly recommended."

"Mr. Fay is extremely caring and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the entire process in a very clear manner and was a tremendous help during a stressful time. He was always available to take a phone call and really showed that he cared about me and my case. I highly recommend Mr. Fay as an attorney." "

former client

testimonials reviews
"Highly recommend"

"Great lawyer. Created a best possible outcome for my case."

former client

testimonials reviews
"Amazing job, explains very clearly"

"He did a fantastic job on my case, making my penalty much less than I thought it could possibly be. He clearly understands what he is doing and can explain everything in a way that anyone can understand. Any questions I had were answered very clearly and he listened to all small details of my case."

former client

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If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal or DUI offense in New Jersey, finding the answers you need to make informed decisions is critical. Complete our contact form to request your free consultation or contact 609-832-3202


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