Alternatives to Entering a Plea
If you are a first time offender, or if you are charged with certain substance abuse offenses, you may be eligible to resolve your case in a manner that will not result in a formal conviction, or result in the charges being dropped all together.
Pretrial Diversion
Pretrial Diversion (PTD) is a diversionary program run by the State Attorney’s Office and is usually reserved for first time, nonviolent offenders.
PTD is similar to probation, in that once you are accepted into the program you must report monthly to a supervising officer, undergo random drug testing, complete community service hours, and refrain from being involved in any criminal activity.
Your charges will be dropped upon successful completion of Pretrial Diversion.
Pretrial Intervention
Pretrial Intervention is similar to Pretrial Diversion; however, it is run by the Court and is more lenient in that a person does not have to have a spotless record.
The Pretrial Intervention program is also similar to probation, in that once you are accepted into the program you must report to the Court on a regular basis, be evaluated for and undergo any recommended drug treatment, complete any other specific requirements ordered by the Court, and refrain from being involved in any criminal activity.
Importantly, many Judges do not participate in Pretrial Intervention. As a result it is important that you hire an attorney who is familiar with the different Judges and who can advise you accordingly.
Your charges will be dropped upon successful completion of Pretrial Intervention.
Drug Court
Drug Court is a diversionary program created to address the issue of felony drug offenders.
The program provides for the identification, evaluation, case management and placement of substance abusing offenders in order to avoid entering the formal criminal justice system.
The Drug Court Judge reviews progress reports on each participant. Incidents of noncompliance are reported immediately to the Drug Court Judge, along with recommendations as to consequences to be imposed.
Upon successful completion of Drug Court, your charges will be dropped.
Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Central Florida or the greater Orlando area, please contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby today.
The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action that can be taken.