Could my case qualify?
A first offense alone does not ensure admission. Under the general pathway in section 948.08(2), eligibility depends on the charge and record, with program approval and consent from the victim, prosecutor, and judge. Participation is voluntary after consulting counsel and includes a speedy-trial waiver. The statute also contains separate treatment-program provisions. Florida Statutes § 948.08.
Start with the exact charge, prior case dispositions, and county where the case is pending. Ask counsel to assess both the available defenses and whether requesting diversion makes sense for your circumstances.
How do the application and court process work?
The State Attorney provides an application, prior-record statement, and waiver forms. Its published Pinellas procedure requires attendance at scheduled hearings during review; an approved contract is reviewed with counsel and signed in court. Official instructions and forms.
The application identifies separate submission email addresses for Pinellas and Pasco cases. Use the instructions for the correct county. Sixth Circuit PTI application.
For a Pasco case: confirm the hearing and reporting steps with counsel. The detailed court procedure on the State Attorney’s page is expressly labeled for Pinellas County.
What would I have to complete?
The Sixth Circuit describes probationary conditions and restitution obligations. Felony supervision is handled by the Department of Corrections; misdemeanor supervision is handled by the Sheriff’s Office. Failure to complete conditions on time can result in revocation and ordinary prosecution. Sixth Circuit PTI requirements.
Before agreeing, ask:
- What conditions and deadlines are in the proposed contract?
- What reporting, classes, treatment, or community service would apply to this case?
- What amounts, if any, would be owed for restitution or program costs?
- How would work, school, travel, or transportation affect compliance?
- What should happen if a condition becomes difficult to complete?
The official represented-defendant waiver addresses the right to a speedy trial. Discuss its effect with your attorney before signing. Official waiver form.
Does dismissal erase the record?
Do not assume a dismissal removes every record of the case. Court-ordered sealing or expungement has separate eligibility and application requirements. FDLE explains the certificate process, which is the first step toward requesting that relief from a court. FDLE application instructions.
For the next step after disposition, read our Florida expungement and record-sealing guide.
Ask counsel to review the final disposition and any record-relief options after the case ends.
Discuss a Pinellas or Pasco case with our firm
Nicole N. Sanchez and Tyler K. Vaughn represent clients in criminal matters across Tampa Bay. For a consultation, have the charge, case number, next court date, and any proposed PTI paperwork available. Wait for instructions before sending confidential records.
Related reading: Florida felony degrees and first offenses and felony defense.
Request a Consultation · Call 813.582.5188 · Text 813.401.9918
Sanchez Vaughn, Trial Lawyers · 401 E Jackson St, Suite 3300, Tampa, FL 33602
General information, not advice about a particular case. Program policies and individual agreements can differ. An inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship.