Just because someone engages in non-violent criminal activity doesn’t always mean that they’re a bad or dangerous person. Many non-violent criminals resort to disorderly behavior due to poor mental health, addiction, lack of familial support, abuse, and so much more. In some cases, non-violent criminal activity is nothing more than a cry for help. That’s why most states have something called a pre-trial intervention program. These programs allow first-time offenders to receive educational classes, mental health counseling, and other early rehabilitative services. Successful completion of the program often results in dropped criminal charges. That way, a person can create a better life for themselves without a tainted criminal record following them.
If you are a first-time offender of a non-violent crime, you may be eligible for PTI program registration in Louisiana. Baton Rouge defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown can analyze the details of your criminal charge and help you determine if you’re eligible for the program or not. If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct in Baton Rouge, we’ll also protect your legal rights the whole way. Call 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation at our law firm today.
What is a Pre-Trial Intervention Program?
A pretrial intervention program – also called a pre-trial diversion program – allows first-time offenders a chance to avoid a criminal conviction from tainting their records. The goal of PTI programs is to deter future criminal behavior and to also take some of the burden off of the U.S. criminal justice system.
PTI programs are different in every state, with some offering drug treatment, mental health services, educational classes, and so much more. Completion of the program often results in dropped criminal charges, depending on the specific criminal offense, of course.
How Many States Offer Pre-Trial Prevention Programs?
48 states and the District of Columbia offer pretrial intervention programs. Louisiana is one of these 48 states.
How a PTI Program Works in Louisiana
If you are interested in undergoing a pretrial intervention program in Baton Rouge, LA in order to avoid traditional prosecution, this is what to expect.
The Baton Rouge prosecutor’s office will review and approve each application on an individual basis. There are no specific qualifications listed on the prosecutor’s website. Instead, applicants will be approved based on individual criminal history and the type of crime committed.
Once a defendant is accepted into the program, they will be assigned a pretrial officer. This officer will give the defendant a specific set of requirements – tailored to their crime and situation – to complete. Additionally, PTI program length will heavily depend on the defendant’s criminal charges. Defendants generally have to remain arrest free while they’re completing their PTI program. Once defendants successfully complete the program, they will have their charges resolved without a plea.
If you’re curious about whether you’re eligible to participate in a PTI program, contact a Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown or contact a Baton Rouge pretrial officer at 225-389-8579.
What Crimes are Excluded From the PTI Program?
Each state has different rules on which types of criminal activity are excluded from a PTI program. Most states exclude violent crime offenders from pretrial intervention programs.
How Much Do PTI Programs Cost in Louisiana?
Many PTI participants must pay an application fee or money order in order to complete the program. This is true in Louisiana, but a person’s inability to pay does not automatically exclude them from the program. The Baton Rouge pretrial diversion office states that they can make any modifications to the program requirements if necessary.
PTI Program Participation Requirements
Pre trial intervention requirements vary depending on the state, the type of criminal activity, and individual criminal history. Listed below are common examples of requirements that need to be completed in order to resolve a criminal charge.
- A specific amount of community service hours
- Rehabilitative services for drug and/or alcohol addictions
- Group counseling
- Educational classes
Many states also set specific conditions even after successful completion of the program. Conditions may include random drug screens, random alcohol testing, maintaining employment, loss of driving privileges, and psychological testing and counseling.
Do I Have to Plead Guilty in Order to Participate in the PTI Program in Louisiana?
No, first time offenders don’t have to plead guilty in order to participate in a pretrial intervention program in Louisiana. The ultimate goal is to deter future criminal behavior and keep the charge off your record before you face a trial or conviction.
Call a Baton Rouge Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown Today
If you are facing a non-violent criminal charge, you want to avoid traditional prosecution, and you want a clean criminal record, a pre trial intervention program may be the best option for you. Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown can review your case and help you determine if you’re eligible to participate in the program. Additionally, we can get you connected with the right people to begin the registration process. Call 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team today.
