People Make Mistakes.
Sometimes, those mistakes result
in a criminal charge. In Florida ,
many first time offenders can lessen their “mistake” by participating in a
pretrial diversion or pretrial intervention program. “Pretrial Diversion” is
for misdemeanor charges while “Pretrial Intervention” is for some 3rd
degree, non-violent felonies. Participation in one of these program requires
the agreement of all those involved including the prosecutor and the victim, if
any. That is why, with most pretrial diversion programs, it’s generally best
for you to hire an attorney to negotiate with the prosecutor and ensure your
acceptance into the program.
Misdemeanor diversion programs
are usually 3 to 6 months long. Felony intervention programs are at least one
year long. Once accepted into a program, you will be required to complete
certain tasks geared towards your offense. For example, in theft cases, you
will be asked to complete an anti theft course; drug offenses will require
counseling and random drug tests. You may also be asked to complete community
service hours.
If you successfully complete a
diversion or intervention program, your charges will be dismissed. A dismissal
avoids a conviction and may allow you to seal or expunge the charge from your
criminal record. But remember, the sealing or expunging of your record is a
separate process.
Each case is different. A good
attorney can explain to the prosecutor of the particular facts of your case
that warrant your entry into a diversion or intervention program. Some of the
benefits of a diversion or intervention program include: avoiding the stress
and cost of a criminal trial; avoiding a criminal conviction; having the charge
sealed or expunged from your record, if you otherwise qualify.
If you are facing charges in Broward,
Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach
county that you think might qualify for diversion or intervention, Contact Fort Lauderdale Criminal AttorneyFORT LAUDERDALE CRIMINAL LAWYER Gary Cole at 954-462-4600. In almost all cases we can help you.
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