Pretrial Intervention and You
Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes people, particularly young individuals, find themselves wrapped up in a crime that they didn’t intend to commit or were talked into committing. If this has happened to you, you may deeply regret your crime and wish that you could go back and undo it all so that you don’t have to go to trial and possibly end up in jail.
While it obviously isn’t possible to go back in time, there is an option available to you that could help you avoid a trial altogether and the potentially severe penalties of a conviction. If you are young or are a first time offender, consider talking to a lawyer about the possibility of pretrial intervention (PTI).
Pretrial intervention is an alternative to the traditional proceedings of prosecution, trial, and conviction. In exchange for being relieved from prosecution, you must agree to participate in a rehabilitative program. PTI programs exist for offenders of minor crimes, including some drug-related crimes. However, PTI is an option that is available only once.
The intent of a PTI program is to provide education and rehabilitation so that young and first-time offenders will be less likely to be involved with crime in the future. If you commit a second crime, even a minor one many years later, PTI will no longer be an option.
A PTI program involves a number of different educational and rehabilitation efforts. If you are eligible and are accepted into a PTI, you will participate in community service hours, educational programs, individual or group counseling, regular drug testing, tours to nearby prisons, and adherence to a curfew. You must also be employed while you are involved in the program.
A PTI is an excellent alternative to facing trial, costly court fees, conviction, and severe penalties that may include jail time. If you are over 17 years old and are a first-time offender, consider talking to a criminal defense lawyer about enrolling in a Florida PTI program.
Contact Us
For more information on pretrial intervention programs, eligibility, and how a PTI can help you, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced West Palm Beach criminal attorney from Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
