Pretrial Intervention Programs

Pretrial Intervention (PTI) programs are designed to offer individuals facing charges for non-violent crimes an opportunity to avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction. These programs typically target those with little to no prior criminal history, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The ultimate goal is to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system by providing alternative methods for addressing minor offenses and promoting positive behavioral changes.

Participants in PTI programs may be required to undergo various types of counseling, community service, educational courses, or drug/alcohol treatment, depending on the nature of their offense. Upon successful completion of the program, the charges may be dropped or dismissed, effectively preventing a permanent criminal record. This option benefits both the offender, by offering them a chance at a fresh start, and society, by focusing on rehabilitation instead of incarceration for lower-risk individuals.

Pretrial Intervention is monitored either by the Department of Corrections, County Probation, or the State Attorney’s Office in partnership with Advent eLearning.

Eligibility:

Current offense: The person is charged with a misdemeanor or nonviolent third-degree felony.

Residency: The person must reside in the United States. Persons residing outside of the United States are ineligible. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Citizenship: The person must be a US citizen, legal resident, or visitor.
- Non-citizens must provide proof of legal status.

Criminal History:
- The person has not been convicted of more than one (1) prior nonviolent misdemeanor as an adult.
  - The prior conviction must be for an offense that would also qualify for Pretrial Intervention
- The person does not have any prior convictions for
  - the same or similar offense as the current charge or
  - a disqualifying offense or
  - a crime of violence
- The person has never completed a diversion, pretrial intervention, or deferred prosecution program for the same or similar offense as the current charge.
- “Convicted” means adjudicated guilty or withhold of adjudication
- Juvenile and Adult arrest histories will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Victim Consent: The victim(s) of the offense must agree to the individual’s participation in Pretrial Intervention. A victim(s) failure to respond to multiple attempts by the State Attorney’s Office to obtain a position as to Pretrial Intervention will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The person waives speedy trial.
Multiple charges/cases: If the person has two (2) or more charges/cases arising from separate factual circumstances, they are ineligible for Pretrial Intervention.

The State Attorney’s Office reserves the right to preclude entry into Pretrial Intervention based on the circumstances of the offense or any other factors deemed appropriate for consideration.