What is the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program?
PTI is a one time opportunity for defendants who have no prior criminal history. Once a defendant has had the benefit of PTI in New Jersey or any other State, the defendant is not eligible for PTI. PTI is an agreement between the State and defendant. The defendant does not admit guilt. The probation department supervises the defendant. The defendant must pay an application fee. As part of the PTI agreement, a defendant may have to pay fines and restitution, perform community service, and depending on the facts of the case, obtain counseling, forfeit weapons, or have no contact with specific individuals. If the defendant successfully completes PTI, he will have no criminal record of that charge. If the defendant fails to comply with the conditions of PTI, he is terminated from PTI and his case is put on the trial list. The defendant can then plead guilty or proceed to trial.
