Navigating through the Panama City Pretrial Diversion and Intervention (PTI) Process
Dana Morris is a criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida. Many of the criminal cases that he has represented have resulted in Pretrial Diversion.
What are the benefits of a Pretrial Diversion Program?
- Individuals who successfully complete a Pretrial Diversion Program will avoid a potential criminal conviction and a potential permanent criminal record by having their criminal charges dismissed.
- They will also avoid the stress, hassle and expense of a criminal trial.
We recommend that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida, to review your charges and see if you qualify for the Pretrial Diversion or Pretrial Intervention programs. Dana Morris, at The Morris Law Firm, offers free legal consultations and would be happy to meet with your to discuss your charges and your options. Give him a call at (850) 257-5680.
Pretrial Diversion
To participate in the Pretrial Diversion Program in Bay County, the defendant must not have a prior criminal record. Alternatively, the Defendant may be recommended by an Assistant State Attorney to the program during pre-trial proceedings.
Once you are accepted into pretrial diversion, you must report to a supervising official, submit to drug testing, engage in community service hours, and avoid another arrest. Furthermore, you will need to complete an online test and pay the assessed fees (see below). Once you complete all terms of the program, the charges are dropped.
If you and your criminal defense attorney determine that you are eligible for the Pretrial Diversion Program and you enter into the agreement, you will have 90 days to complete an online test and complete it with a score of 70% or better. Keep in mind, the test is “open book” and you may use the internet or other sources for information.
Take the Pretrial Diversion test here.
During the 90 days after entering into the Pretrial Diversion Program, you will also need to pay the assessed fees
- Pay $280.00 – Online or with Money Order/Cashier’s Check
- Pay $200.00 and perform 8 hours of Community Service at a non-profit organization
- Perform 28 hours of Community Service at a non-profit organization
Pay Pretrial Diversion fees online here.
Pretrial Intervention
For repeat offenders, Florida law offers pretrial intervention, which involves many of the same conditions as pretrial diversion. The key difference is that not all courts offer the program, and some prosecuting attorneys will not refer your case for pretrial intervention. An experienced criminal defense lawyer who has professional relationships with judges and prosecutors may be able to convince the court to allow acceptance into the program.
