New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A suspended Plainfield schools superintendent will not be eligible for pretrial intervention (PTI) as he fights charges of falsely swearing that the children of two subordinates lived with him so they could attend South Plainfield schools.

The superintendent’s attorney said that they will appeal the eligibility ruling. The case, currently pending in Middlesex County Superior Court, will delay the trial until the appeal is heard.

In New Jersey, Pretrial Intervention, also referred to as PTI, is a program for some first time offenders that essentially puts the case on hold for a period of time set by the Court. During that period of time, the defendant is on probation and must comply with certain requirements set by the Court. These requirements can consist of no further violations, maintaining full time employment, random drug screens, restitution, etc. If all of the requirements are met at the end of the period of time, the charges are dismissed and the defendant is left with no criminal record. The arrest itself can then be expunged six (6) months after the period of PTI has expired.

PTI can be entered into with or without a guilty plea. Of course it is always preferable that there is no guilty plea and an experienced New Jersey criminal attorney can help negotiate this result.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in the State of New Jersey, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced New Jersey criminal attorney as soon as possible. There are multiple programs like the pretrial intervention (PTI) program that can significantly lesson the lasting impact that an arrest can have on you. The attorneys at Lependorf and Silverstein are familiar with these programs and are experienced with making these programs available to their clients.