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PTI or Pre-trial Intervention is a diversionary program that is available for certain defendants in the State of South Carolina. PTI was started by the SC legislature in 1980 and was enacted to provide defendants an alternative to prosecution. PTI is designed to deter defendants from committing future criminal behavior and typically involves an education component and community service. Restitution can also be part of the program if there is a victim in the case that is owed money.
Eligibility Requirements for PTI
In order to be eligible for PTI the defendant must be over the age of 18 and it be a first offense. This usually does not include prior charges for speeding and other minor traffic offenses. Acceptance into PTI is determine by the Solicitor’s office and is also based on the recommendation of law enforcement and the consent of the victim. PTI is a one time deal and your application will be rejected if you have already participated in PTI.
The cost to participate is $350 total. The application fee is $100 and it is nonrefundable. The application takes approximately 6-8 weeks to process and if you are accepted the participation fee is $250. In order to apply, you must submit the court referral form, a copy of your photo ID and Social Security card along with a completed application. You will be notified by mail if your application has been accepted or rejected.
PTI may impose further requirements on you depending on the severity of the charge or individual circumstances. Some of those requirements may include attending counseling, providing employment or school documentation, and/or additional community service hours. These requirements will be communicated with you once you are accepted into the program.
Learn More About Pre-Trial Intervention From a Lawyer
The primary advantage of PTI is that it allows you to avoid traditional criminal prosecution and avoid having a conviction on your criminal history. Successful completion of PTI will allow you to request an expungement which will restore your record to the state that it was in prior to being arrested for the crime. Contact Schiller & Hamilton today to see if PTI is an option that is available to you.