A former captain of the Princeton University swim team who allegedly had a shotgun will enter Pretrial Intervention (PTI), per nj dot com. Indeed, Mercer County prosecutors said he will undergo three years supervision, a psychological evaluation, and complete 40 hours of community service. A few months earlier, Princeton cops charged him with unlawful possession of a weapon after confiscating the alleged shotgun. Under New Jersey law, unlawful possession of a weapon involving a shotgun is a third degree crime.1 Consequently, it carries a three to five year New Jersey State Prison sentence with parole ineligibility for half the sentence imposed.2
Pretrial Intervention, N.J.S.A. 2c:43-12
Originally born out of necessity, pretrial intervention provides an alternative to the traditional justice system. PTI resolved challenges like insufficient resources, defendant debilitation due to the criminal process, and rehabilitative failures. Notwithstanding demagoguery and bellicose rhetoric about crime, government does not regulate who gets into Heaven.
Thus, pretrial intervention serves the government’s purposes. Furthermore, the government uses pretrial intervention for its own ends. Indeed, only where the two align, pretrial intervention can also address the desires and wishes of defendants. Therefore, this illustrates the need for effective assistance of counsel for any criminal defendant applying for supervisory treatment.
With some exceptions, PTI does not require an admission of guilt. Furthermore, the court dismisses the charges upon successful completion of pretrial intervention.
Diverting defendants through early identification, PTI recognizes social, cultural, and economic conditions often play a part in the decision to commit crime. Rehabilitation results in the return of productive citizens to the community.
A person applying for pretrial intervention must pay $75 to the court. Otherwise, the applicant may apply to the court for a fee waiver. Additionally, the court may permit payment by installment.
Experienced New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Smolensky, Esquire, knows how to protect his clients. Mr. Smolensky can provide consultations on all cases regarding PTI. Call Now—(856) 812-0321.
Footnotes
1 N.J.S.A. 2c:39-5.
2 N.J.S.A. 2c:43-6.