Pretrial Intervention in St. Johns County
How First-Time Offenders Can Avoid a Conviction
For a first-time offender, the most important question is usually not what the sentence will be but whether there will be a conviction at all. In St. Johns County, pretrial intervention, commonly called PTI, offers a path to dismissal for eligible defendants who complete a supervised program. It is one of the best outcomes available in a criminal case, and it is also one of the easiest to lose by not asking at the right time.
What PTI Is
Pretrial intervention is a diversion program administered through the State Attorney’s Office and the Department of Corrections. Instead of prosecuting the case, the State agrees to place you under supervision for a set period, typically six months to a year, with conditions that may include community service, restitution, counseling, drug testing, or a class related to the offense. If you complete the program, the State dismisses the charge. There is no plea, no adjudication, and no conviction.
Who Qualifies
Florida law makes PTI available to first-time offenders charged with a misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, and in some circumstances a second-degree felony. You generally must have no prior convictions, and certain offenses are excluded. The victim, if there is one, is consulted. Admission is at the discretion of the State Attorney, which means the decision is made by a prosecutor reviewing your file, your history, and the strength of the case.
Why the Application Matters
Because admission is discretionary, how the request is presented shapes the answer. A well-prepared PTI application addresses the prosecutor’s concerns before they are raised: it shows the offense was an aberration, documents employment, education, or family responsibilities, and where appropriate demonstrates that steps such as counseling or restitution have already begun. Our attorneys prosecuted cases in this circuit and know what the St. Johns County office looks for when deciding whether to offer diversion.
What Happens if You Do Not Complete It
PTI is not a free pass. If you violate the conditions or pick up a new charge, the State can remove you from the program and prosecute the original case. Anything you admitted as part of the program may be an issue. That is why we counsel clients carefully on the conditions before they enter and stay involved through completion.
After Dismissal
A charge dismissed through PTI is eligible for expungement, provided you meet the other requirements. Combining diversion with a later expungement petition can remove the arrest from public view entirely, which is the closest Florida law comes to making a case disappear.
Contact a St. Augustine Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a family member is facing a first charge in St. Johns County, ask about pretrial intervention before accepting any plea. Albaugh Law Firm can evaluate eligibility and prepare the application. Call 904-471-3434 for a free consultation or visit our St. Augustine criminal lawyer page.
