Pretrial Intervention Lawyer in Miami

Legal Guidance for Pretrial Intervention in Fort Lauderdale

Alleged first-time offenders in Florida who are charged with a misdemeanor or third-degree felony offense may be eligible for a pretrial intervention (PTI) program. Multiple parties need to approve of a person's participation in a PTI program, including the judge, the state attorney, and possibly even the alleged victim. These programs offer numerous benefits. Find out more about eligibility by calling the Miami pretrial intervention lawyer at The Hoffman Firm for a free consultation.

Fight for your best possible outcome by calling 305-249-0090 now. Call 954-524-4474 if you are in Broward County.

Successful completion of such programs is very important. Violations of the program terms can lead to criminal charges being prosecuted again and people possibly being subject to the same penalties they once faced for their original underlying criminal offense.

Securing a Favorable Outcome

If you were arrested for your first misdemeanor or third degree felony offense in South Florida, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel for help possibly qualifying for a PTI program. The Hoffman Firm defends clients in numerous communities all over Miami-Dade County. Evan Hoffman is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you qualify for a PTI program or help you otherwise achieve the most favorable possible resolution to your particular situation.

If charged with a misdemeanor or third degree felony, a defendant could be eligible for a PTI program so long as they are first-time offenders or were previously convicted of no more than one nonviolent misdemeanor. Their admission depends on the approval of the administrator of the program, the consent of the victim, the state attorney, and the judge who presided at the alleged offender's initial appearance hearing.

Examples of non-qualifying offenses include:

• Felony of the second degree or higher
• Weapon charges
• Violent crime
• Aggravated assault
• Robbery
• Attempted residential burglary
• Fleeing to elude
• Driving while license suspended (DWLS) or revoked (DWLR)
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcoholic beverages or a controlled substance
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Crimes indicative of an organized scheme to defraud
• Offenses involving vending, forging or counterfeiting private labels
• Possession of anti-shoplifting control device
• Restitution owed over $5,000 at time of application
• Possession of heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP), or any derivative thereof
• Possession of one-half gram or more of cocaine

Understanding Pretrial Intervention Benefits and Potential Risks

In many cases, PTI programs provide some very beneficial services for alleged offenders, including possible counseling and treatment. Additionally, successful completion of these programs will result in criminal charges being dismissed. Such factors are not the only determinants for all people though.

For example, individuals with professional licenses may be affected by the admission of guilt inherent to PTI programs. Even though these signed admissions are not convictions, they can still be used by certain licensing boards in separate disciplinary measures, placing their licenses at risk of suspension or revocation.

Additionally, completion of a PTI program does not mean that the criminal charge disappears from the person's criminal record. In fact, certain PTI agreements specifically prohibit criminal charges from being expunged or dismissed.

Several additional factors need to be considered before agreeing to participate in a PTI program. You will want to discuss every aspect of your case with a criminal defense attorney.

If you are in Miami call 305-249-0090 to get started on your case. If you are in Broward County call 954-524-4474.