The Conditional Dismissal Program in New Jersey

Conditional Dismissal

A new diversionary program was instituted in New Jersey known as the Conditional Dismissal Program in Municipal Court. This program, commonly referred to as “PTI in Municipal Court” due to its similarities to the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program utilized in Superior Courts throughout the state, applies to defendants facing charges in Municipal Court who meet a specific set of criteria. In order to be eligible for the program, the defendant’s case must involve charges for disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offenses. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in municipal court, contact The Tormey Law Firm for help with your defense today. Travis J. Tormey is an experienced defense attorney who serves on behalf of clients facing a vast array of charges, ranging from shoplifting to simple assault and disorderly conduct. With centrally located offices in Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, Middletown, and Morristown, he appears in courts throughout New Jersey, including Wood Ridge, East Rutherford, Parsippany, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Elizabeth, and North Arlington.

Having represented clients in such a wide variety of cases, Mr. Tormey has a great deal of experience navigating the complex legal process in both Superior and Municipal courts. As a result, Mr. Tormey has been cited as a legal resource in a number of publications, including The Daily Record and The Bergen Record, as well as AOL News. The entire Tormey Law Firm practice concentrates on criminal law, which has facilitated our team in developing a breadth of knowledge in the area of criminal defense. This repository of information regarding New Jersey law enables us to identify the nuances involved in each case and thus, to best represent our clients. Feel free to contact us at (201) 556-1570 for a free legal consultation or to schedule an appointment at our local office near you.

The Conditional Dismissal Program in New Jersey Municipal Courts

New Jersey enacted a law which provides for a conditional dismissal program in Municipal Court. This program is also known as “PTI in Municipal Court” because it is similar to the diversionary program known as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) which has been available in Superior Court for felony offenses for many years. If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense in Municipal Court, you may be eligible for the program. First, you must have no prior criminal record. Second, you must not have used a diversionary program in New Jersey before such as PTI, conditional discharge, or conditional dismissal. Finally, the charges which you are facing must be eligilble for the program. For example, a DWI or a domestic violence charge means that you are not eligible for the conditional dismissal program. Finally, you arrest must have occurred after January 4, 2014 when the program became available in New Jersey. For additional information, please see the NJ Judiciary legislation, which is provided under P.L.2013, c.158 (C.2C:43-13.1 et al.).

Eligibility Requirements for the Conditional Dismissal Program

If you meet the above requirements, you are most likely eligible for the conditional dismissal program in Municipal Court. However, in order to enter the program, you must plead guilty to the underlying offense. Then, the Court will suspend your charges for the period of probation – one (1) year. As long as you comply with the conditions of the program and remain arrest free, the charges will be dismissed at the end of your probationary period. You will have no criminal record. The arrest record may be expunged six (6) months after you successfully complete the conditional dismissal program.

Finding An Experienced Attorney to Represent Your Case

If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Bergen County, New Jersey, the Tormey Law Firm can provide you with the information and assistance you need to best address each step of the legal process. Contact Mr. Tormey at (201)-556-1571 for a free consultation regarding your case.

Am I eligible for the Conditional Dismissal Program in New Jersey?

If you meet the following criteria you are likely eligible for the conditional dismissal program in New Jersey:

• Charged with a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense (not domestic violence)
• No prior criminal record
• Never used a diversionary program before (PTI, conditional discharge, conditional dismissal)
• Arrest was after January 4, 2014

Call (201)-556-1570 for personalized guidance and a free legal consultation related specifically to your case.