The Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) provides first-time offenders with an alternative to traditional prosecution in the criminal justice system.  PTI seeks to provide intervention and a second chance through rehabilitative services when those efforts can potentially deter future criminal behavior.  Participants are required to perform community service, make restitution to their victims, and to participate in individual and group counseling. They may receive educational, vocational, or other appropriate referrals to community agencies. Simply stated, the goal of PTI is to determine and address the root causes of criminal activity to deter a defendant’s future criminal or disorderly behavior.

The Application Process

Who Can Apply? 

• First time offenders charged with non-violent crime(s),

• 17 years or older,

• Referred from bond court by a judge, an attorney, or a member of law enforcement.

When Should I Apply? 

• You should apply as soon as possible after the arrest.

Excluded Offenses Include: 

• Crimes of violence

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

• Other crimes prohibited by State law

 Participation

If you are accepted into the Program, the Solicitor will agree to place the charges against you on hold.  As long as you are participating in the PTI Program, your case will not be called for trial.  You cannot participate in PTI more than once.

The following is an example of requirements that must be fulfilled once accepted into the PTI program:

• Pay participation fee

• Perform 16 hours of community service work (the equivalent to 2 full days)

• Pay restitution, if any, to victim(s) of your crime

• Actively participate in counseling sessions, activities and educational classes

• Pass drug test(s)

• Not be rearrested while enrolled in the PTI program (6-12 months for misdemeanors, 1-3 years for felonies)

All offers of pretrial intervention/diversion originate from the District Attorney’s Office, and diversion agreements contain specific conditions by which a defendant must comply. The Pretrial Intervention Program provides supervision of these clients for up to two years, and will inform the District Attorney’s Office of any significant violations or compliance issues throughout the term of supervision. In addition, the officer also has an opportunity to refer a client to intervention programs and counseling, if necessary. If successfully completed, no criminal conviction, formal probation, or any criminal penalty will be associated with the resolution of the case.

Upon successfully completing the PTI program, you are eligible to apply for an expunction of your record after a waiting period. Under Texas law, an expunction allows individuals to permanently remove information about an arrest, charge, or conviction from their permanent records, in certain circumstances, allowing that person to deny the incident ever occurred when asked on an employment application, for example. Under the PTI program, the following charges require a 2-year waiting period after successfully completing the program:

• Assault
• Assault – Family Member
• Terroristic Threat
• Deadly Conduct
• Resisting Arrest

Class A misdemeanors not listed above will have 1-year waiting periods.  Class B misdemeanors will have no waiting period.

If you, a friend, or a family member has been charged with a crime for the first time, do not make the mistake of representing yourself. Contact The Huff Law Firm now to ensure that you have an aggressive criminal lawyer protecting your good name and future employment opportunities.

Contact The Huff Law Firm now at 713-562-8700 for a free consultation to determine your rights and legal options.