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Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)
The New Jersey courts are busy, but have a humanitarian philosophy: forgive and rehabilitate where possible, punish where appropriate. The New Jersey Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI) was designed to help first-time offenders avoid jail time and stay out of the “system.” The PTI program strives to address several factors in a first-time offender’s life and thereby deter future criminal or disorderly conduct. Once a first time offender successfully completes the PTI program, charges will be dismissed and a criminal record avoided.
Monmouth County Pre–Trial Intervention attorney Tara Breslow-Testa is who you want by your side when arguing for leniency and mercy from the courts. Born, bred and educated (JD Rutgers) in New Jersey, Tara Breslow-Testa has experience on both sides of the bench and both sides of the aisle: Clerking for the Honorable Donald J. Volkert, Jr., serving as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender in Union County and then trial court in Monmouth County. Tara Breslow-Testa understands the forgiving philosophy of New Jersey Court.
A Pre-Trial Intervention attorney serving Monmouth County, Tara Breslow-Testa has assisted numerous individuals throughout New Jersey, including Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlesex County and Union County to determine whether they’re eligible for PTI, and if admitted, has helped them navigate through the often confusing system.
If an individual is eligible for Pre–Trial Intervention, he or she will first fill out an application followed by an interview with the probation department. Following this process, probation will either recommend PTI or reject the individual. Regardless of the decision, the PTI application is then transferred to the Prosecutor’s Office - who will either follow the recommendation of the probation department or render a different position.
When individuals have been denied PTI, Ms. Breslow-Testa has successfully appealed numerous adverse decisions on behalf of her clients. She is devoted to helping individuals in trouble and believes that a single offense may be the result of a greater set of circumstances. Each individual’s situation must be evaluated to determine the best possible outcome with the best chance of future success.
The Mercy RulePTI is a facet of the Superior Court system for those charged with indictable offenses like possession of heroin, forgery, theft, terroristic threats, credit card fraud and distribution of marijuana.
Those charged with aggravated assault, burglary, weapon possession and robbery are generally not qualified for Pre-Trial Intervention - although exceptions can be made.
The New Jersey courts acknowledge that sometimes good people make bad decisions and Pre-Trial Intervention is a way to divert these people into programs that will save court costs and time - and hopefully steer the offender onto the right path.
Who Qualifies for Pre-Trial Intervention?- New Jersey residents (Although some states have reciprocal programs and PTI can be transferred)
- First time offenders – Anyone charged but not convicted of an indictable offense such as aggravated assault, drug offenses, some fraud and theft crimes.
- More serious offenses require special approval.
Successful completion of the PTI program is based on several factors.
- Avoiding additional offenses
- Performing community service
- Reporting to probation
- Counseling
If you successfully complete the conditions set forth by the court, expungement is possible six months later. Experienced with Pre-Trial Intervention, Monmouth County lawyer Tara Breslow-Testa can pave the way to a spot-free record,
Because of the substantial benefits provided once accepted into the PTI program, determining whether you’re eligible for the program and to avoid criminal charges is crucial to your future. Monmouth County Pre–Trial Intervention lawyer Tara Breslow-Testa is who you want by your side when arguing with aggressive prosecutors and heard-it-all judges. She is committed to helping each of her clients by providing them the support, attention and advocacy they deserve.
For a free consultation, contact Tara Breslow-Testa at (732) 784-2880.
