A Pre-Trial Intervention may enable criminal defendants to have certain charges dropped in Tampa

Tampa Lawyer Jeff Quisenberry discusses Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Tampa and how it may lead to certain criminal charges being dropped.

 

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Video Transcript:

My name is Jeff Quisenberry, and I’m an attorney with the Fernandez Law Group.

Many of you may have heard of the phrase Pre Trial Intervention, or PTI.

In Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and most of the counties in Florida, if you have a criminal charge leveled against you, you may possibly be eligible for a program called PTI or Pre-Trial Intervention.

With an attorney’s assistance in many cases we can convince the prosecutor for certain charges, to let you enter this program.

If the program is completed successfully, all charges may be dropped.

That’s something that we’ve been able to do for 100’s of clients of the Fernandez Law Group.

Please give us a call, we can help.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

A pre-trial intervention (PTI) is a program designed to offer certain defendants an alternative to traditional prosecution. Typically used for first-time offenders or those charged with less severe crimes, PTI allows individuals to avoid a criminal conviction by completing specific requirements. Here’s how it generally works:

Key Features of Pre-Trial Intervention

  1. Eligibility: Not all defendants qualify for PTI. Eligibility criteria often include factors such as the nature of the offense, prior criminal history, and whether the defendant is a first-time offender.
  2. Program Requirements: If accepted into the PTI program, defendants usually must complete certain conditions, which may include:
    • Community service
    • Counseling or rehabilitation programs
    • Restitution to victims
    • Regular check-ins with a program coordinator
  3. Duration: The length of the PTI program can vary but typically lasts from several months to a couple of years, depending on the conditions set forth.
  4. Dismissal of Charges: Upon successful completion of the program, the charges are often dismissed, allowing the individual to avoid a criminal record.
  5. Legal Representation: It’s important for defendants to have legal counsel to navigate the PTI application process and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Benefits of Pre-Trial Intervention

  • Avoiding Conviction: Successful completion can prevent a criminal record, which can have lasting impacts on employment, housing, and personal life.
  • Focus on Rehabilitation: PTI emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, allowing individuals to address underlying issues.
  • Reduced Court Caseload: PTI programs can help reduce the burden on the judicial system by resolving cases outside of traditional court proceedings.

Overall, pre-trial intervention can be a beneficial option for eligible defendants looking to move past their charges without the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.

How successful are Pre-Trial interventions?

Pre-trial interventions (PTIs) can be quite successful, especially for eligible individuals. Their effectiveness often hinges on several factors, including the nature of the program, the support provided, and the individual’s willingness to comply. Here are some aspects to consider regarding the success of PTIs:

Success Rates

  1. Completion Rates: Many PTI programs report high completion rates, often above 70%. Successful completion generally leads to the dismissal of charges, allowing individuals to avoid a criminal record.
  2. Recidivism Reduction: Studies suggest that PTIs can lead to lower recidivism rates compared to traditional prosecution. Participants may be less likely to re-offend, particularly if the program includes rehabilitative components like counseling or education.

Factors Influencing Success

  1. Program Structure: Programs that are well-structured and provide comprehensive support (such as counseling, job training, and community service) tend to be more effective.
  2. Individual Engagement: The success of PTIs often depends on the participant’s commitment to the process. Those who actively engage in the required activities are more likely to succeed.
  3. Support Systems: Having a solid support system, including family and community resources, can significantly impact an individual’s ability to complete the program successfully.

Long-term Outcomes

  1. Employment and Stability: Individuals who complete PTI programs often report better employment prospects and greater stability in their lives compared to those who go through traditional prosecution.
  2. Community Reintegration: PTIs can facilitate better reintegration into the community by promoting positive behavior and accountability.

Conclusion

Overall, pre-trial interventions can be a successful alternative to traditional prosecution for many individuals, particularly when they involve comprehensive support and resources. Their focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment aligns with goals of reducing recidivism and fostering positive outcomes for participants.

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