Union County Pre-Trial Intervention Attorney

union-county-pre-trial-intervention-attorneyWhat Is PTI in NJ?

Facing criminal charges of any kind is a stressful prospect. You could face jail time, fines, and lifelong consequences if convicted. However, there may be a better option. Certain first-time offenders are eligible for New Jersey’s pre-trial intervention program (PTI).

PTI is a unique diversionary program that allows certain first-time offenders in New Jersey to avoid a criminal conviction and the punishments that come with it. The idea is to promote rehabilitation over punishment.

New Jersey’s PTI program (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-12) is designed to offer defendants a second chance. Instead of going through a trial and facing possible jail time, eligible defendants are placed under court-supervised conditions for six months to three years. They may undergo drug treatment, mental health counseling, or perform community service. If they complete the PTI program, the original charges will be dismissed. That means no conviction on your record, and you will not serve time in jail or prison.

William Proetta Criminal Law helps clients apply for and complete PTI whenever it is an optimal solution. If you qualify, PTI could be the most important opportunity you have to protect your reputation, freedom, and future.

Contact us today or call our nearest office in Edison at (201) 793-8018 for a free and confidential consultation to see if you qualify for PTI in Union County. Visit our nearest office location at 3840 Park Ave, Suite 202 A, Edison, NJ.

Why Choose William Proetta Criminal Law as Your Union County PTI Attorney?

If you’re interested in PTI, having the right attorney by your side in the criminal justice system can make all the difference. William Proetta Criminal Law uses our local knowledge and personalized strategies to advocate for alternative sentencing options.

We’ve handled numerous New Jersey pre-trial intervention cases and understand how to navigate the system. Over the years, we’ve developed strong working relationships with local prosecutors, judges, and probation officers in Union County. We know what each court expects and how to put together a strong PTI application.

William Proetta Criminal Law has helped clients avoid the lifelong impact of a criminal conviction. If you’re looking for an experienced PTI attorney in Union County who understands how to present your case in the best possible light, our team is ready to help you.

The Union County PTI Application Process and Its Benefits

You must be a first-time offender to qualify for the NJ PTI application. PTI is often restricted to third- and fourth-degree indictable offenses (felonies), but other offenses may be permitted. The attorneys at William Proetta Criminal Law can review your charges and let you know whether you are eligible or will need special permission to apply. Note that even if you qualify, admission is not guaranteed.

The NJ PTI application process is relatively straightforward but time-sensitive.

Here is what you can expect:

  • Official application – You or your attorney will complete Form 12305, the official PTI application form, and file it with the court. You must also pay a $75 application fee.
  • Interview – Next, you will have an interview conducted by the Criminal Division of the Superior Court to assess your background and suitability for the program.
  • Review – The county prosecutor will review your application, criminal history, and public interest concerns.
  • Decision – A judge makes the final determination. The judge will consider the prosecutor’s recommendation, your circumstances, and what’s in the public’s best interest.

The benefits can be life-changing if you’re admitted and successfully complete the program requirements.

For example:

  • You will avoid criminal prosecution in a public trial and possible incarceration.
  • No criminal conviction will appear on your record.
  • You will get access to rehabilitative services, such as drug or alcohol counseling, mental health treatment, and job training.

In short, a PTI diversion program can be a great alternative if you are willing to take responsibility for the criminal behavior and make significant life changes.

Does PTI Count as a Conviction in Union County?

No. If you complete the pre-trial intervention program, there is no conviction. It is a diversionary program, not a criminal court verdict like there would be in the traditional criminal justice process. Instead, your charges will be dismissed at the end of the supervision period. While your charges might show up on a background check during the program, they will appear as dismissed once you’ve completed the program.

Finally, under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6, you may apply for expungement six months after successfully completing the pre-trial intervention process. Once your charges are expunged, they will no longer appear on your record, not even as “dismissed.” It will be like you were never charged at all.

What Happens If You Fail PTI?

While the PTI program offers a valuable second chance, it also comes with strict requirements. Participants in the PTI program must follow all court-ordered conditions. That typically includes regular meetings with a probation officer, staying drug-free, attending counseling, and staying out of further legal trouble. Even missing scheduled check-ins or drug tests can be grounds for termination from the program.

If you fail to meet the requirements, the court can remove you from PTI. At that point, your original charges will be reinstated, and prosecution resumes. If convicted, you will face incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record. It is important to take the program seriously and comply with all the rules.

If you struggle to meet the program terms or believe you have made a mistake that could jeopardize your PTI status, talk to our Union County PTI attorneys right away. A skilled criminal defense attorney from William Proetta Criminal Law can help, usually by talking to the court on your behalf or helping you take immediate corrective actions. Our attorneys can explain any mitigating circumstances and advocate for a second chance, especially if you have made only a minor misstep.

Get Help from a Union County PTI Attorney Today

If you are interested in exploring PTI programs in Union County, the knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law want to help. Our responsive local firm is well-versed in Union County PTI procedures and can help you present your case in the best light possible. We are also happy to help our clients understand their rights and obligations during the program, and if you make a mistake, we can intervene on your behalf.

Having an experienced Union County PTI attorney can better position you to take advantage of pre-trial intervention. To learn more, contact William Proetta Criminal Law today by phone at (201) 793-8018, our contact form, or live chat. An experienced Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer is ready to provide you with a free consultation about your best legal options.