🔄 What Is Pretrial Intervention (PTI) in Florida?
If you’ve been charged with a non-violent crime in Florida, you may qualify for a Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI)—a powerful alternative to trial and criminal conviction.
PTI offers eligible defendants a second chance by allowing them to resolve their cases without a conviction, avoiding the long-term consequences of a criminal record.
⚖️ Who Controls PTI?
Only the State Attorney’s Office can offer Pretrial Intervention—not a judge. This means your attorney must negotiate directly with the prosecutor to secure a spot in the program.
At Michael White, P.A., I regularly work with local prosecutors in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida to help first-time offenders enter PTI and avoid formal prosecution.
✅ What Happens in PTI?
If accepted into PTI, you’ll sign a non-binding agreement with the State Attorney’s Office. In exchange for meeting certain conditions, the State agrees to dismiss the charges when you successfully complete the program.
Typical PTI conditions include:
- Community service
- Payment of fines, fees, and court costs
- Charge-specific requirements (e.g., theft classes for petit theft cases)
- Supervised probation for 6 to 12 months
🧠 Think of PTI as a chance to earn your way out of a criminal case.
🔗 Misdemeanor vs. Felony PTI in Florida
- Felony PTI is overseen by the Florida Department of Corrections
📚 See Fla. Stat. § 948.08 - Misdemeanor PTI is usually handled by your county’s probation office
While both programs operate similarly, felony PTI tends to include stricter supervision and more intensive reporting requirements.
🎯 What Are the Benefits of Completing PTI?
The benefits are significant:
- ✅ Your charges are dismissed
- ✅ You avoid a criminal conviction
- ✅ Your case becomes eligible for sealing or expungement
- ✅ You avoid the risks of trial and jail time
- ✅ You get a cleaner path forward for your job, license, housing, or immigration status
- ✅ You may be eligible to have the criminal record sealed or expunged.
📁 How Michael White, P.A. Can Help You Enter PTI
Not everyone who qualifies is automatically accepted into PTI. That’s where your lawyer matters.
As a former prosecutor, I know how to make compelling arguments for PTI eligibility—even in close cases. I routinely prepare mitigation packets for my clients that include:
- Positive character references
- Proof of employment or education
- Evidence of community ties
- Personalized statements of remorse or rehabilitation
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a consultation online today to find out if PTI is an option in your case.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Pretrial Intervention (PTI) in Florida?
PTI is a diversion program offered by the State Attorney’s Office that allows eligible defendants to avoid prosecution by completing court-approved conditions like community service, classes, and probation. If completed successfully, the charges are dismissed.
2. Who qualifies for PTI in Florida?
PTI is typically offered to first-time offenders facing non-violent misdemeanor or felony charges. Eligibility is determined by the prosecutor, not the judge, and depends on your criminal history and the nature of the offense.
3. What’s the difference between felony and misdemeanor PTI in Florida?
Felony PTI is supervised by the Florida Department of Corrections and may involve stricter conditions. Misdemeanor PTI is managed locally by the county probation office and is generally less intensive.
4. How long does PTI last in Florida?
Most PTI programs last between six and twelve months, depending on the charge, the jurisdiction, and the conditions imposed by the State Attorney’s Office.
5. What happens after I complete PTI in Florida?
If you complete all the conditions successfully, the State dismisses the charges. You may also be eligible to have your record sealed or expunged, depending on the case.