PRE-TRIAL INTERVENTION
We help defer future crime by working with our non-violent offenders...making sure they are able to work and not just put back out on the street. In the end, this is the most cost efficient method of dealing with, and preventing the possibility of future crime.
WHAT IS THE PRE-TRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM?
The Pre-trial intervention program is a diversion program which is offered to selected offenders as an alternative to prosecution where necessary. Participants may receive coordinated assistance in job placement, educational and vocational referrals, personal and group counseling, and referrals to other community agencies appropriate to their needs.
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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM?
The program is designed to meet the needs of certain nonviolent offenders in an attempt to deter their future criminal or disorderly behavior; to minimize loss to victims of these crimes through payment of restitution by the offender; to serve the courts by reducing the number of less serious cases, permitting more time for the more serious crimes; and to protect the community by closely supervising the accused following arrest until final disposition of the case.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?
To be eligible for participation in the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, an individual must meet the following criteria:
  1. Limited to nonviolent crimes;
  2. The victim must receive full restitution where required;
  3. The individual must present no future probable threat of causing physical harm to this community;
  4. The individual must acknowledge his/her wrongdoing;
  5. The individual must show a good faith willingness to participate in the program.
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HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS SELECTED?
Offenders meeting the criteria are referred to the program following a review of the pending charge(s) by staff members of the District Attorney's Office.

After an additional review is made of the offender's prior criminal record and hitory, and all relevant facts are obtained, a letter is sent to the offender requesting that an appointment be scheduled. At this appointment the offender is interviewed and given an overview of the program. The offender then makes a decision to participate in the program or go to court.

The final decision as to the acceptability of an offender for the program is made by the District Attorney himself.
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WHAT HAPPENS IN THE PROGRAM?
Each participant will be assigned a counselor who will meet with him/her monthly for individual assessment and assistance.

Some participants may also be required to attend group meetings upon recommendations of their counselor. One goal of counseling will be to help the participant gain an awareness of the legal and social consequences of criminal behavior. The counselor will also assist the participant in any other problem area.

Referrals will be made to community agencies which can provide services relative to the participant's needs, such as Substance Abuse Clinics for urinalysis evaluations on a drug related offense or for those suspected of using drugs. The clinic will be at the participant's expense.
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WHAT ARE THE ENROLLMENT FEES?
In order to help defray expenses incurred in the application and managernent of program services and due to a limited budget, a probationary enrollment fee is required based upon the length of the individual's probationary term. Probationary terms vary from three (3) months to twenty-four (24) months in duration. Probation fees usually range from Seventy-five ($75) Dollars to Five Hundred (S500) Dollars.
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IS PARTICIPATION MANDATORY, AND IF NOT, WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO A DEFENDANT IN CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE?
Because the presumption of innocence applies to the entire period from arrest through trial, program participation is completely voluntary and the right not to participate is explained to all potential participants. The advantages of participation are:
  1. Offers the defendant an opportunity for positive, self-development and to gain an awareness of the consequences of future criminal behavior;
  2. To avoid additional expenses as related to further criminal prosecution;
  3. To avoid possible criminal conviction and incarceration and/or fine;
  4. Permits a person to remain in the community with limited disruption to family life and employment;
  5. Provides supervision to aid in deterrence of future criminal behavior
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HOW LONG DOES THE PARTICIPANT REMAIN IN THE PROGRAM?
The exact duration of participation will depend on the seriousness of the offense, the attitude of the participant and how well the participant has met the goals of the program as determined by the participant's counselor.
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WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THE PARTICPANT IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM SUCCESSFULLY?
Participants must attend all counseling sessions and keep all other appointments. All participants must be employed or enrolled in school before they can be recommended for satisfactory termination. Restitution, if required, must be paid in full before program completion.

A subsequent arrest or violation of program rules will result in the participant's case being returned to the prosecution section of the District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

If the case is returned for prosecution, any funds paid into the program are forfeited by the participant.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PARTICIPANT COMPLETES THE PROGRAM?
When a participant completes the program satisfactorily, the pending charge is declined, conditioned upon the participant having complied with all requirements of the Pre-Trial Intervention Program.
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DOES THE PROGRAM PROVIDE ANY SPECIAL SERVICES?
Yes, Participants may be referred to local social service agencies such as, Substance Abuse Programs, Parenting Classes, etc.
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