why would my lawyer choose pre trial diversion instead of going to trial?

by Hermann Turcotte 4 min read

Sometimes, pretrial diverse is not a good choice. If you go to trial, you could wind up with more serious consequences, harsher charges or greater penalties. However, if you have a very strong defense, trial may be the best option.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for pretrial diversion?

Dec 16, 2016 · Why Pre-Trial Diversion A process named “pretrial diversion” is meant to help unburden overburdened courts as it permits low-risk offenders to move forward with their lives. That’s the theory. In reality, it’s not that simple. You’ve been arrested, and even if you get probation, that criminal conviction could trip you up in unimaginable ways.

What is pretrial diversion for juveniles?

Diversion programs often involve remedies like community service, counseling (especially for substance abuse), and fines. Thus, “pretrial diversion” refers to diversion that is granted before trial begins. Courts often issue order pretrial diversion as a way to save judicial resources, since the entire trial does not need to be completed. Contents

What is a diversion program in criminal law?

Apr 24, 2019 · This video considers pretrial diversion programs, how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages to the defendant during criminal pre-trial proceedings.

Are you eligible for a diversion program?

Apr 28, 2019 · The option of pre-trial diversion is available for only some types of criminal offenses. Diversion refers to when a court allows an individual to undergo alternative sentencing operations to avoid the penalties associated with a criminal conviction. The goal is the rehabilitation of the person who committed the offense instead of punishment.

What are disadvantages of diversion programs?

Diversion programs are criticized as being unduly lenient, because they allow offenders to be sanctioned in an unconventional manner. Some may feel that if an offender is not incarcerated, then the punishment is not severe enough, and justice has not been served.

Is pretrial diversion a sentence?

Also, pretrial diversion is a common sentencing option for juvenile crimes and juvenile offenders.Jun 25, 2018

Is PTI the same as probation?

Probation officers will still be supervising you while on PTI, but you are not officially on "probation". The period of PTI can vary with the charge, but is generally considerably shorter than a period of probation. PTI also generally has less strenuous requirements as compared to probation.Feb 13, 2020

How long is pretrial diversion Texas?

To save prosecutive and judicial resources for concentration on major cases. To provide, where appropriate, a vehicle for restitution to communities and victims of crime. The period of supervision is not to exceed 18 months, but may be reduced.

What is the definition of pre-trial diversion?

Pretrial diversion (PTD) is an alternative to prosecution which seeks to divert certain offenders from traditional criminal justice processing into a program of supervision and services administered by the U.S. Probation Service. In the majority of cases, offenders are diverted at the pre-charge stage.Jan 29, 2020

What is a pre prosecution diversion?

Pre-court diversion, as we define it, operates in two ways: first, individuals who are arrested and likely to receive a formal out of court disposal are 'diverted' into either a less serious out of court disposal or an informal disposal; second, individuals who are arrested and likely to be prosecuted in court are ' ...

Is pre trial mandatory in criminal cases?

Pre-trial is mandatory in all criminal cases cognizable by the Sandiganbayan, RTC, MTCs and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts. When should it be conducted? After arraignment and within 30 days from the date the court acquires jurisdiction over the person of the accused.

What is pretrial diversion Florida?

Pretrial Diversion is a deferred prosecution program for selected misdemeanor/misdemeanor DUI offenders, offered by the Office of the State Attorney and supervised by Orange County Community Corrections. Program Eligibility: Misdemeanor/DUI charges only. Felony cases are supervised by the Department of Corrections.

Is pre trial intervention a conviction Florida?

Benefits of the Pre-Trial Intervention Program in Florida No criminal conviction or permanent criminal record. No jail time. Getting the help you need to address your addiction or behavioral issues.Nov 30, 2017

Is pretrial diversion a conviction in Texas?

If you've been arrested on criminal charges, you may want to learn more about Texas pretrial diversion, sometimes called pretrial intervention. In short, the program is a way to avoid a conviction and have the charges dismissed once you meet certain conditions.

Is pretrial diversion a guilty plea in Texas?

Pretrial diversion in Texas is basically an alternative to being convicted of a crime. However, this scenario doesn't necessarily leave you “innocent” of a crime. In fact, with a pre-trial diversion, you do admit guilt to your charges — but instead of going to court, you go down a different route.Sep 28, 2020

Can you get off pretrial diversion early in Texas?

For those who are serving probation as part of the Collin County Pre-Trial Diversion Program, early termination may also be an option.Feb 3, 2012

What is pretrial diversion?

Thus, "pretrial diversion" refers to diversion that is granted before trial begins. Courts often issue order pretrial diversion as a way to save judicial resources, since the entire trial does not need to be completed.

What is a diversion in criminal justice?

Diversion is where the defendant is allowed to undergo alternative sentencing options rather than spending time in jail or prison. This type of sentencing alternative focuses on rehabilitation of the conduct rather than on the punishment aspects of the criminal justice system.

What does an attorney do?

An attorney can provide you with legal information and representation for your particular legal issue. Also, your lawyer can inform you regarding any other alternative sentencing options available to you. Jose (Jay) is a Senior Staff writer and team Editor for LegalMatch.

Understanding the Pre-Trial Diversion Process

The option of pre-trial diversion is available for only some types of criminal offenses. Diversion refers to when a court allows an individual to undergo alternative sentencing operations to avoid the penalties associated with a criminal conviction. The goal is the rehabilitation of the person who committed the offense instead of punishment.

The Law Firm of Shein & Brandenburg

Firm was discovered by accident. Sent an on-line query, and received an immediate thoughtful response to which I am awaiting another reply. Most local attorneys have been reluctant/non/responsive or claim they don't do Federal cases.

Why Does a Pretrial Diversion Program Exist?

Pretrial diversions are defined in the statutes of many state laws to create an opportunity for judges to offer a “second chance” to some defendants who are first time offenders, and whose life is likely to be substantially harmed by harsh penalties, or any criminal record.

How Do I Get a Pretrial Diversion?

Your attorney must typically file a motion (or a motion, affidavit, and memorandum) explaining why you are a good candidate for a pretrial diversion program.

Daniel Eliot DeWoskin

In most of the jurisdictions in Georgia in which I have encountered pretrial diversion as an option, there is no plea at all, guilty or not guilty. Instead, the client is offered an option that allows him or her to complete agreed upon community service, pay a program fee, and perhaps complete a class of some kind.

Jonathan Burton Blecher

It's up to you whether or not to disclose the record. The wording of the question seems to exclude your situation from disclosure.

What is the right to know before making a decision?

Before making an important decision, a defendant is entitled to know what alternatives are reasonably available and, as far as can be predicted, the likely consequences of each. For example, assume that the defendant is charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The defense attorney tells the defendant, "The prosecutor is willing to accept a guilty plea to simple assault and recommend a sentence of six months in county jail and a fine of $500. The decision is yours—what do you want to do?"

Can a lawyer withdraw from a case?

Occasionally, lawyers and defendants have such strongly opposing views that the lawyer cannot effectively carry out the defendant's desired strategy. In such a situation, the attorney may seek to withdraw as the defendant's counsel, or the defendant may seek to have the attorney replaced. Whether this will be permitted in either case depends on whether the prosecutor will be prejudiced or the proceedings will be unnecessarily delayed or disrupted.

Can a defense lawyer admit guilt?

Defense lawyers also aren't allowed to impose their judgment on their clients when it comes to admitting guilt at trial. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court considered the case of a defendant who had been on trial for three murders. ( McCoy v. Louisiana, 584 U. S. ____ (2018).) At the guilt phase of the trial, the defense attorney chose strategically to concede that his client committed the crimes but argued that his client was incapable of having the state of mind necessary for first-degree murder. (The strategy was to argue that the man had a "mental incapacity" that prevented him from forming specific intent .)

Why is going to trial good?

For example, going to trial buys the criminal defendant more time to prepare his or her defense and spend time with family before potentially going to jail. Going to trial and receiving an acquittal is the only way for an innocent person to have justice. This is also the only way for a criminal defendant ...

Why do people go to trial?

Going to trial and receiving an acquittal is the only way for an innocent person to have justice. This is also the only way for a criminal defendant to escape any criminal responsibility or a criminal record. Another benefit of going to trial is that the criminal defendant receives all of the benefits of the United States Constitution.

What happens when a defendant pleads guilty?

When a criminal defendant pleads guilty, he or she is confronting the case face-on. This means that he or she will be able to resolve the case more quickly than if he or she waited a year or more for a criminal trial.

What happens if you plead guilty to a crime?

In exchange for pleading guilty, the criminal defendant may receive a lighter sentence or have charges reduced. Additionally, pleading guilty avoids the uncertainty of a trial. Juries can be unpredictable. Prosecutors may uncover additional evidence that can make it more likely for a jury to convict the defendant.

Who has the burden of proof?

The prosecutor has the burden of proof of proving each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Police misconduct or a failure to follow rules can get evidence suppressed so that it is not used against the criminal defendant at the trial. This higher standards can help a defendant be found “not guilty.”.

What are the risks of pleading guilty?

For example, innocent people may be subjected to criminal punishments, such as having to go to jail and pay fines for crimes that they did not commit. Furthermore, they will now have a criminal record that follows them for the rest of their life.

What happens if you go to trial?

Criminal defendants who decide to go to trial place themselves in the precarious position of putting their lives in the hands of a jury. Juries are often difficult to predict. They also face the maximum penalty for a crime. Criminal defendants may either have a public defender who is often bombarded with other cases or a private attorney who may charge significantly more for going to trial.

2 attorney answers

Mr. Jay is absolutely right. I will add my personal opinion that a pre trial diversion program on a DUI is a great option.

John Patrick Guidry II

Mr. Jay is absolutely right. I will add my personal opinion that a pre trial diversion program on a DUI is a great option.