Being arrested for the very first time is a frightening experience. If you have recently been arrested, your thoughts are probably running wild. You may rightfully be worried about your immediate future, your family, and the long-term consequences of this arrest. The first thing you must do is secure a competent defense attorney who will look out for your best interests and guide you through the complex criminal justice system.
When you have been arrested for a crime you need to make an important decision regarding the type of attorney you will choose to defend you. At The Umansky Law Firm in Orlando, we know that everyone makes mistakes, and we understand how frightening it can be to be arrested for the first time in your life. We believe that you deserve a second chance. Pre-trial diversion is a program that exists for just that reason: to give first-time offenders a second chance.
Orange County and Osceola County both have diversion programs. In Orange County, the program is called pre-trial diversion (PTD), and in Osceola County, it is called County Diversion Program (CDP). CDP is very similar to PTD. In each of these programs, your attorney negotiates an agreement with the State on your behalf. Once you comply with the terms of the agreement, the charges against you are dropped.
Our criminal defense lawyers know that pre-trial diversion can truly make a difference in your life, and we strive to help you enter an agreement that helps you avoid a criminal record and jail time. While it may be difficult to negotiate an agreement and obtain acceptance to the program, we make it a top priority to do so on your behalf.
When you enter a PTD program, you are required to comply with the terms of the program. In many ways, PTD is similar to probation. When you successfully complete the program, all charges against you will be dropped. Typical conditions of PTD include:
We may be able to negotiate agreements that are tailored to the specific nature of the alleged crime. We work with the appropriate parties to ensure that your rights are protected at all stages of this process and to ensure that you obtain the second chance that you deserve.
A pretrial diversion program might be the closest thing to hitting “undo” on the actions that led to your arrest and subsequent charges. Those who are eligible for pretrial diversion enjoy advantages that go a long way in helping them rebuild their lives after a criminal charge.
A few benefits of a Pretrial Diversion Program include:
If you are eligible to enroll in a PTD program in Orlando, it is usually preferable to do so.
Florida Statute §948.08 states that “Any first offender, or any person previously convicted of not more than one nonviolent misdemeanor, who is charged with any misdemeanor or felony of the third degree is eligible for release to the pre-trial intervention program on the approval of the administrator of the program and the consent of the victim, the state attorney, and the judge who presided at the initial appearance hearing of the offender.”
To learn whether you may be eligible to enroll in a PTD program in Central Florida, contact our law firm.
If you violate the terms of your agreement, you may be removed from the program and face the original charges, a possible conviction, and potential sentencing in the criminal court.
Our lawyers are former Florida prosecutors who have extensive knowledge of the options that are available to our clients. Attorney William D. Umansky is a member of the Florida Justice Association and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was one of 2018’s Lawyers of Distinction and has a passion for helping people accused of crimes obtain the second chance they deserve.
Although we cannot guarantee an outcome to your case, we can assure you that we will be with you every step of the way. We will vouch for you to participate in a Pretrial Diversion Program so that you may work toward rebuilding your life. If you are not eligible, we will help you navigate the criminal justice system and put together a strong defense that can benefit your case. Allow us to put our 100+ years of combined criminal defense experience to work to preserve your future. Arrange your free consultation now — call us at 407-228-3838 or complete our contact form.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
