What Is Pretrial Intervention (PTI) in South Carolina?

Pretrial intervention (PTI) is a diversion program that allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal conviction. This is dependent on successful completion of PTI, allowing the charges to be dismissed and the arrest expunged from your record. To qualify for PTI, you must meet several requirements. Horry County PTI programs range from four to 12 months in length, based on your individual needs and goals. If you are interested in learning more about PTI, feel free to reach out to our Conway criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of L. Morgan Martin, P.A.

What is the Purpose of Pretrial Intervention?

PTI is designed to deter defendants from further criminal activity and to reduce the number of cases being processed by the court. As part of PTI, a criminal defendant may be required to make restitution to the victim to minimize the loss that this person has suffered. In short, PTI serves to rehabilitate offenders to allow them to successfully re-enter the community without having a criminal record.

Eligibility for PTI in Conway, SC

To be eligible for PTI in South Carolina, your circumstances must meet the criteria set out in the PTI Act of 1980, which stipulates the following:

• The offender must be at least 18 years of age
• Justice will be served by placing the offender in an intervention program
• The needs of the offender and the State will be better served outside the traditional criminal justice system
• The offender poses no threat to the community
• The offender is unlikely to be involved in further criminal activity
• The offender is likely to respond quickly to rehabilitative treatment
• The offender must have no significant prior criminal history (non-violent crimes only)
• The offender has never participated in PTI

PTI Program Requirements

While participating in PTI, you will be required to do the following:

• Attend monthly check-in appointments with your PTI coordinator
• Complete 60 hours of community service for a non-profit organization
• No illegal drug use (you will be subject to random drug testing)
• Pay restitution to the victim (if applicable)
• Participate in any required outside services (i.e., alcohol/drug education or treatment, anger management, counseling services, etc.)
• Successful completion of all goals and deadlines

Entry is Not Automatic; Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help

If you are a first-time offender of a non-violent crime in South Carolina, you may qualify for PTI. However, entry is not automatic, since the Circuit Solicitor (District Attorney), Summary Court Judge, or Municipal Court Judge must refer you. When you work with our experienced criminal defense team, you will have someone who can advocate for your entry into the program. Before applying for PTI, be aware that the program fees total $350, with an extra $285 applying if you want to request expungement of dismissed charges upon completion (expungement is optional). There is no getting around the associated PTI fees, so you need to be prepared to front these costs.

Reach Out to Our Conway Criminal Defense Lawyers At Your Earliest Opportunity

Facing criminal charges can be intimidating, making you fear the legal repercussions that lie ahead. At The Law Offices of L. Morgan Martin, P.A., our team of legal professionals knows that you are dealing with extreme stress during this time. Let us provide some sound legal advice to guide you and put your mind at ease. We will let you know whether you qualify for PTI and, if not, what legal options are available. To arrange your free consultation, do not hesitate to contact us online or by calling (843) 248-3177.