The best benefit of successfully completing PTI is that there is no record of conviction and an individual can avoid the stigma of a criminal record. Additionally, many of the costs associated with the formal court process can be eliminated. However, acceptance into and completion of the PTI program does not remove an arrest from individual’s record. Instead, successful completion of the PTI program will result in the dismissal of the original offense. Therefore an individual who successfully completes the PTI program should still seek to an expungement to remove any record of the original arrest. Failure to successfully complete the program will result in the case returning to the ordinary course of prosecution.
To be eligible for the PTI program, a defendant must be charged with an indictable offense. The program is designed for individuals who have no previous convictions and have never been granted permission into any other diversionary program or discharge. An individual seeking entry into the PTI program must be an adult resident of New Jersey. Individuals charged with criminal or penal offenses in New Jersey criminal or municipal courts can apply.
The PTI program may run for one to three years and is overseen by the Probation Division. During the probationary period, individuals will have random urine monitoring and will be required to pay assessment fees, penalties and fines. Additional conditions such as community service, restitution and submission to psychological and/or drug and alcohol evaluations and compliance with treatment programs may be imposed.
Application into the PTI program must be made no later than twenty-eight days after indictment. The application process includes a $75 non-refundable fee and an interview of the defendant by a member of the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. After the application is submitted, an appointment will be scheduled for an interview by a probationary officer. After the interview the probation officer will run a background check to verify the accuracy of the information provided. A written report is then issued detailing whether the information meets the requirements for admittance or rejection. If accepted into the program, the judge may postpone further proceeding until after the completion of the PTI program. A rejected applicant may appeal to the presiding judge of the Criminal Division of the Superior Court within ten days of rejection.
Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of municipal court matters. To learn more about what our experienced New Jersey municipal court attorneys can do to help, please visit our website, e-mail us, or call one of our lawyers at (973) 890-0004.