Pre-Trial Intervention Program

The Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) is a program targeted at providing first-time offenders charged with non-violent crimes in the state of New Jersey with an opportunity to avoid the crippling consequences often associated with a felony criminal conviction, and attempts to relieve some of the burden on the criminal justice system caused by such offenders. The program renders early rehabilitative services and aims to deter future criminal behavior. Many other states have similar programs employed under a variety of names.[1][2]

In New Jersey, the program allows eligible first-time offenders who have (typically) been charged with certain third- or fourth-degree crimes to seek admission into the program. If granted, defendants are placed under court supervision for a period lasting between one and three years. During this probationary period, the participant may be subject to random urine monitoring, fines, and other penalties depending on the nature of the alleged criminal action. Successful completion of the PTI program is often contingent upon performance of community service, timely payment of restitution, and/or strict compliance with the requirements of a prescribed treatment regimen. These treatments may include psychological counseling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and other recovery services.[1]

Successful completion of the PTI program requirements results in the complete expungment of the criminal charges that would have otherwise become a part of the defendant's criminal record, had they entered a guilty plea or been convicted at trial. This benefit can be extraordinarily valuable in terms of the increased range of accessible opportunities for new jobs, housing, etc. when compared to the highly restricted opportunities presented to persons living with the stigma of a felony conviction on their records.[1]

In 2014, American football running back, Ray Rice, was granted PTI despite being indicted on third degree assault. This result occurs in less than 1% of domestic assault charges.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Pre Trial Intervention Program (PTI)". judiciary.state.nj.us. Retrieved 2014-12-13.
  2. ↑ "Pretrial Intervention | Mercer County Prosecutors Office". mercercountyprosecutor.com. Retrieved 2014-12-13.
  3. ↑ John Barr and Don Van Natta Jr (2014-09-12). "Ray Rice deal: Less than 1 percent get it in NJ". ESPN. Retrieved 2014-12-13.
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