PIP Court

Published on: October 3, 2019

What is PreTrial Intervention (PTI)

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What is Pre-Trial Intervention and More Importantly Is it The Right Choice?

Pre Trial Intervention, often referred to as “PTI,” is a diversionary probationary program offered at the Superior Court level in the county courts. It can be a way to avoid a criminal record. Most of the time, you enter the program without ever pleading guilty and even if a guilty plea is a contingency to acceptance, you will never be sentenced or convicted of a crime if you successfully complete the program.

Pursuant to the statute, the minimum length of time for probation imposed is a one year time period. However, per the statutory guidelines, you can ask your probation officer for an early release from the program as early as six months. The judge determines the length of time that is initially imposed, and usually community service is a condition, although sometimes this condition can be waived. Upon acceptance into the program, you are to remain arrest free and if all other conditions are met you will successfully complete the program.

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Published on: July 10, 2013

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Holmdel New Jersey

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

PNC Arts Center is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey in the town of Holmdel. It is one of two major outdoor arenas located in the New York Metropolitan area. The venue has been the center of several controversies, including an incident during a Phish concert in 2000 where over 70 people were arrested, and the band was not invited back to the venue before their hiatus in 2004.

In recent years, there has been an increase in police presence at the Arts Center, and this has resulted with an increase in arrests for those attending concerts at the venue. Unfortunately, a night of fun and relaxation can result with an arrest that can jeopardize your future.

If you have been arrested on a felony charge in Holmdel, New Jersey, the matter will be transferred to the Superior Court located in Freehold. If you have been charged with a third or fourth degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) or any other felony charge, it is imperative that you hire an experienced Monmouth County criminal defense attorney to handle the matter. It is possible that the matter could be remanded back to municipal court. Or if this is your first offense you could be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), avoiding a criminal record.

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Published on: April 25, 2013

Pre-Indictment Court in Superior Court

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony offense, it will likely that your matter will be sent to the Superior Court in the county where you were arrested. For example, if you were arrested in Monmouth County, your matter will be transferred to the Superior Court located in Freehold. Once the matter is transferred it will undergo a screening process, and it is possible that prior to the matter being sent to the Grand Jury for Indictment, the matter will be sent to the Pre-Indictment Court, otherwise known as PIP court. Judge Kilgallen is the newly assigned Judge who presides over PIP court in Monmouth County.

It is not always beneficial to accept a plea deal in PIP court. However, sometimes it is the best deal that a defendant will ever be offered. It is important to know the risks as well as the benefits of accepting or rejecting a plea offer. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey can help advise you whether this will be the best deal or if you can do better if you wait.