For felony offenses, the diversion program is called PRE-TRIAL INTERVENTION (PTI). This program is a tremendous opportunity for first time offenders because if you successfully complete the program, the criminal charges are DISMISSED against you.

  • PTI is available at the sole discretion of the State Attorney’s Office and usually requires the victim to agree.
  • The program requires you to appear at the PTI officer’s office once per month to show proof of compliance with the PTI requirements.
  • These requirements may include: community service hourse, drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment, random urine screens, paying restitution to the victim, letter(s) of apology, etc. The requirements vary with the type of offense and tailored to meet the particular facts of your case.
  • The program is 9-18 months long.
  • After successfully completing the program, the charges against you are DISMISSED and you may be eligible to have the charges expunged from your record.
  • HOWEVER, if you violate the terms of the PTI program or are arrested with a new criminal charge, you will be expelled from the program and the court case will restart against you from the beginning.
  • To qualify for PTI, you cannot have any prior felony charges against you. You cannot have too many prior misdemeanor charges against you.

For misdemeanor charges, the diversion program is called MISDEMEANOR INTERVENTION PROGRAM (MIP). Like PTI, this program is a tremendous opportunity for first-time offenders because after you successfully complete the program, the criminal charges are DISMISSED against you.

  • MIP is available at the sole discretion of the State Attorney’s Office and usually requires the victim to agree.
  • The program requires you to appear at the MIP officer’s office once per month to show proof of compliance with the MIP requirements.
  • These requirements may include: community service hourse, drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment, random urine screens, paying restitution to the victim, letter(s) of apology, etc. The requirements vary with the type of offense and can be tailored to fit the particular facts of your case.
  • The program is typically 3-6 months long.
  • After successfully completing the program, the charges against you are DISMISSED and you may be eligible to have the charges expunged from your record.
  • HOWEVER, if you violate the terms of the MIP program or are arrested with a new criminal charge, you will be expelled from the program and the court case will restart against you from the beginning.
  • To qualify for MIP, you cannot have any prior misdemeanor or felony charges against you.