In New Jersey, if you are charged for the very first time with a criminal offense there are a number of diversionary programs that my law office can assist you in getting into. For example, on the municipal court level, there are two programs; one is called Conditional Dismissal, and one is called Conditional Discharge. These are programs where you go onto probation for a limited period of time, and if you successfully complete that probation without testing positive for drugs or violating your terms of probation, the charges against you will be dismissed.
At the county level, this diversionary program is called PTI or Pre-Trial Intervention, and the same requirements apply. If you successfully complete your probation and all the terms of it without committing any new offenses or getting charged on any new charges, your criminal case will be dismissed and you will not be left with a criminal record. However, if you choose not to go through any of the available programs that could allow you to go onto probation, you will have a criminal record after your first criminal offense.
If you are in need of experienced legal counsel in New Jersey, please contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze for any criminal and personal injury matters.