More and more often, individuals charged with an indictable offense in New Jersey who are offered probation in a plea deal, find that the most significant problem they encounter after their case is resolved is the fact that they now have a criminal record. Their prospects for employment and/ or of obtaining and keeping a professional license are severely impacted by the conviction. At Schwartz & Posnock, we always explore the possibility of getting our clients into the PTI program.
Why do we make every effort to have our clients admitted into PTI? The answer is simple. If you successfully complete the PTI program, you will not have a conviction, and six months after you complete the program, your arrest record can be expunged. Many of the costs associated with the formal court process are eliminated through acceptance into PTI.
The Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) provides first-time offenders, with an alternative to the traditional criminal justice process of ordinary prosecution.
Supervision under the PTI program may average from one to three years. Certain standard conditions are imposed on those accepted into PTI, such as, random urine monitoring, and assessments for fees, penalties and fines. Additional conditions may also be imposed to require the performance of community service, payment of restitution, and submission to psychological and/or drug and alcohol evaluations with compliance to recommended treatment programs.
If you successfully complete all the conditions of PTI, then the original charges are dismissed and there is no record of conviction.
At Schwartz & Posnock, we will attend your PTI interview with you. We personally make sure that all pertinent information is provided to the PTI interviewer. We will actively seek the consent of the prosecutor. We make sure that all supportive documentation is received by the PTI interviewer and by the prosecutor’s office.
If for any reason that one of our clients is not accepted, we will appeal the denial to the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division.
New Jersey Criminal Attorneys should personally guide their clients through the Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) application process. A hands-on approach by a New Jersey criminal defense attorney is the best way to maximize the chances of their clients gaining acceptance into the PTI program.
Schwartz & Posnock has offices in Essex County, Union County, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. If you are charged with a criminal offense in New Jersey, call us to explore whether you are eligible for PTI.