Diversionary programs in New Jersey are intended to give first time offenders a reprieve and also keep the courts free form the log jam of petty offenders and non-violent criminals. Diversionary programs including the Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI), the Conditional Discharge Program, and the Veterans Diversion Program are all great options for those who qualify.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony or a disorderly persons crime stemming from drug crime, sex crime, juvenile offense, theft or fraud crime, or any other charges, you may be eligible for a diversionary program with the help of an experienced criminal law firm.
At The Law Offices of The Montanari Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys believe in using the available diversionary programs to the fullest extent allowable. Our firm will examine the details of your case and seek to have your charges diverted to an out of court program as we have done for countless clients in local New Jersey communities including Woodland Park, Clifton, West Milford, Paterson, Wayne, Little Falls, and all of Passaic County.
Call our office today for a free and confidential consultation regarding your charges and to learn more about how we can best serve your needs.
Although different programs each have specific prerequisites for qualification, there are a few general rules which hold true for most diversionary programs in New Jersey. Our Passaic County criminal defense attorneys may be able to successfully avoid a trial if all of the following is true:
First and second-degree felony criminal charges carry what is known as a “presumption of incarceration”, which means that regardless of whether the individual is a first time offender, they do not qualify for pre-trial diversionary programs. Additionally, any prison sentences handed out in these cases must be served without the option of probation.
The Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI) is the most commonly used diversionary program in New Jersey along with the newly formed Conditional Discharge Program. For first time offenders charged with third or fourth-degree felonies, this is a highly attractive alternative to a court trial. Participants in the program will be placed on probation for a period most commonly between one (1) and three (3) years. During this probation period, individuals will be responsible for not getting into further legal trouble. Once this period is successfully completed, all charges will be dismissed.
The Conditional Discharge Program is similar to the Pre-Trial Intervention Program but pertains only to disorderly persons offenses. Disorderly persons in New Jersey are considered lesser than felonies and are similar to what might be called misdemeanor criminal charges in other states. It is important to note that not all disorderly persons charges qualify. For example, charges stemming from DWI or domestic violence will not be considered for the Conditional Discharge Program.
Similar to the PTI, the Veteran’s Diversion Program entails a period of probation in lieu of a criminal trial and official sentencing. This program is unique and carries a few specific requirements in order to be considered by New Jersey courts. Our Clifton attorneys will discuss your case and whether or not you are likely to qualify based on the following:
The criminal defense legal team of The Montanari Law Group has extensive experience using diversionary programs for our clients in New Jersey towns across Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Little Falls, Woodland Park, West Milford, and the greater Passaic County region. If you are facing criminal charges, you do not need to fight this battle alone. Lean on our experience and intimate knowledge of the criminal court system to seek an alternative to court-based trial in your case.
Contact us online or call us today by dialing (973) 233-4396 to speak with a member of our criminal defense legal team regarding your charges and your potential for participation in a diversionary program.