Who may be considered for PTI?
Being charged with a first felony does not automatically qualify someone. The State Attorney’s victim assistance brochure describes the general PTI pathway for a first offender, or a person whose only prior conviction is one nonviolent misdemeanor, charged with a misdemeanor or third-degree felony. Required approvals and consent still apply. The brochure explains that successful completion results in dismissal. Official brochure, PTI section.
The local Programs page separately describes felony PTI and misdemeanor diversion. Your attorney should identify the applicable program and review the charge, record, case facts, and prosecutor’s position before treating PTI as an available resolution.
What happens before entry into the program?
Once the State and defense agree on PTI, the circuit court’s published procedure calls for a signed address-verification form, an appropriate proposed stipulated order, and reporting instructions. The proposed order includes special conditions and a reporting date. Thirteenth Circuit PTI forms and procedure.
Review the proposed conditions with counsel before signing. Confirm the court’s order and reporting instructions; do not assume that discussing PTI changes an existing obligation to appear or report.
What does supervision involve?
The State Attorney identifies the Department of Corrections as the supervisor for felony PTI. The actual conditions should be checked in the proposed agreement and order. Official felony PTI description.
Questions to discuss before accepting an offer include:
- How long would supervision last under this agreement?
- What reporting, evaluations, classes, or treatment would be required?
- What restitution, costs, or other payments would apply?
- What restrictions would affect work, travel, or school?
- What documentation would show that every condition was completed?
Under the general statutory pathway, proceedings can resume if obligations are not met or the public interest requires it; the State Attorney makes the final determination on continued prosecution. Section 948.08 also includes separate treatment pathways with different rules. Florida Statutes § 948.08.
How is PTI different from other Hillsborough programs?
The State Attorney lists several distinct options. The Misdemeanor Intervention Program (MIP) concerns certain first-time misdemeanor offenders; DETRR addresses qualifying drug-possession cases; and DVIP concerns qualifying misdemeanor domestic-violence cases. Each has its own requirements. They should not be treated as interchangeable with felony PTI. Official diversion programs.
Ask which program is actually being offered, who must approve entry, and what the written agreement says happens upon completion.
What should I check after completion?
Ask counsel to confirm the disposition of every charge covered by the agreement. Dismissal and record relief are separate questions. FDLE describes a certificate-of-eligibility process for court-ordered sealing or expungement; completing PTI alone should not be treated as proof that every record has disappeared. FDLE application instructions.
For the next step after disposition, read our Florida expungement and record-sealing guide.
Talk with our Tampa criminal defense attorneys
Nicole N. Sanchez and Tyler K. Vaughn represent clients in criminal matters in Tampa and across Tampa Bay. Request a consultation to discuss the charge, next court date, prior case history, and any written diversion offer. 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. Admission and conditions require individual review. An inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship.