Kenneth Vercammen & Associates Law Office represents people charged with criminal offenses. We provide representation throughout New Jersey. Criminal charges can cost you. If convicted, you can face prison, fines over $10,000, jail, probation over 18 months, and other penalties. Don't give up! Our Law Office can provide experienced attorney representation for criminal violations. Our website KennethVercammen.com provides information on criminal cases. What is the Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI)
The Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) provides defendants, generally first-time offenders, with opportunities for alternatives to the traditional criminal justice process of ordinary prosecution. PTI seeks to render early rehabilitative services, when such services can reasonably be
expected to deter future criminal behavior. The PTI program is based on a rehabilitative model that recognizes that there may be an apparent causal connection between the offense charged and the rehabilitative needs of a defendant. Further, the rehabilitative model emphasizes that social, cultural, and economic conditions often result in a defendant's decision to commit crime. Simply stated, PTI strives to solve personal problems which tend to result from the conditions that appear to cause crime, and
ultimately, to deter future criminal behavior by a defendant. New Standardized Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) Procedures Directive #14-05 promulgates for statewide use a standard set of forms for processing Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) cases through the Criminal and Probation Divisions of the Superior Court. Effective December 1, 2005, the following language shall be used, replacing any corresponding forms now in use in the court vicinages: What Are the Benefits of the Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI)
If PTI is successfully completed, there is no record of conviction and the defendant avoids the stigma of a criminal record. Although no record of
a conviction exists, a defendant may want to file for an expungement to remove any record of the original arrest. Early intervention allows rehabilitative services to be provided soon after the alleged offense, in an attempt to correct the behavior that led to the offense. Some of the costs associated with the formal court process are eliminated through acceptance into PTI. PTI provides early resolution of a case, which serves the interests of the victim, the public and the defendant. PTI reduces the burden on the court and allows resources to be devoted to more serious criminals. What are the Conditions for Participation in Pretrial Intervention?
Supervision under the PTI program may run from 12 months to three years and is provided by the Probation Division. Certain standard conditions are imposed on those accepted into PTI, such as, random urine monitoring, and assessments of fees, penalties and fines. Additional conditions may also be imposed to require the performance of community service, payment of restitution, and submission to psychological and/or drug and alcohol evaluations with compliance to recommended treatment programs. If a defendant successfully completes all the conditions of PTI, then the original charges are dismissed on the recommendation of the Criminal Division Manager with consent by the prosecutor, and there is no record of
conviction. If a defendant does not successfully complete the conditions of PTI, then the defendant is terminated from the PTI program and the case is returned to the ordinary course of prosecution. Who is Eligible for Pretrial Intervention (PTI)
Any defendant who is charged with an indictable offense may apply. Admission guidelines stated in the Court Rules set the following criteria:
Age - PTI is designed for adults. Jurisdiction - Only defendants charged
with indictable offenses in New Jersey may apply. Minor Violations - Charges that would likely result in a suspended sentence without probation or a fine are generally not eligible. Those charged with ordinance, health code and other similar violations are not eligible. Prior Record of Convictions - PTI generally excludes defendants who have been previously convicted. Parolees and Probationers - Generally excluded without prosecutor's consent and considered only after consultation with parole and probation departments. Defendants Previously Diverted - Excludes defendants who have previously been granted a diversionary program or conditional discharge. How Does One Apply for Pretrial Intervention?
Applications to PTI must be made no later than 28 days after indictment. There is a $75 non-refundable application fee. In certain instances, this fee may be waived. The application process includes an interview with the defendant by a staff member of the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. A written report is prepared detailing the decision for admittance or rejection into the PTI program. When a defendant is accepted into PTI on the recommendation of the Criminal Division, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, the judge may postpone all further proceedings against the defendant for a period not to exceed 36 months. The applicant may appeal a rejection to the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division within 10 days of the rejection. 1. You shall obey all federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances. You shall notify your probation officer within 24 hours if you are arrested or issued a complaint summons in any jurisdiction.
2. You shall report to your probation officer as directed.
3. You shall answer all inquiries by your probation officer truthfully.
4. You shall permit your probation officer to visit your residence or any other suitable place.
5. You shall promptly report any change of address or residence to your probation officer.
6. You must obtain permission if you wish to move outside the state.
7. You shall seek and maintain gainful employment, and promptly notify your probation officer when you
change your place of employment or find yourself out of work.
8. You shall cooperate in any test, treatment and/or counseling deemed necessary by your probation officer during the PTI period of postponement. If the court finds that you have not complied with the conditions of your PTI Supervision, the Court may modify the conditions of PTI Supervision, or terminate you from the program. If you are terminated from PTI Supervision, your charges will be reactivated and criminal court proceedings will resume. Failure to comply with the payment requirements may result in further Court action including termination, attachment of your wages, filing of a civil judgment, or extension of your PTI Supervision for purposes of collection. KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
(Fax) 732-572-0030 TRIAL AND LITIGATION EXPERIENCE
In his private practice, he has devoted a substantial portion of his professional time to the preparation and trial of litigated matters. He appears in Courts throughout New Jersey several times each week on many personal injury matters, Criminal and Municipal/ traffic Court trials, Probate hearings, and contested administrative law hearings. Mr. Vercammen served as the Prosecutor for the Township of Cranbury, Middlesex County and was involved in trials on a weekly basis. He also argued all pre-trial motions and post-trial applications on behalf of the State of New Jersey. He has also served as a Special Acting Prosecutor in Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Berkeley Heights, Carteret, East Brunswick, Jamesburg, South Brunswick, South River and South Plainfield for conflict cases. Since 1989, he has personally handled hundreds of criminal and motor vehicle matters as a Prosecutor and now as defense counsel and has had substantial success. Previously, Mr. Vercammen was Public Defender for the Township of Edison and Borough of Metuchen and a Designated Counsel for the Middlesex County Public Defender's Office. He represented indigent individuals facing consequences of magnitude. He was in Court trying cases and making motions in difficult criminal and DWI matters. Every case he personally handled and prepared. His resume sets forth the numerous bar associations and activities which demonstrate his commitment to the legal profession and providing quality representation to clients. Since 1985, his primary concentration has been on litigation matters. Mr. Vercammen gained other legal experiences as the Confidential Law Clerk to the Court of Appeals of Maryland (Supreme Court) with the Delaware County, PA District Attorney Office handling Probable Cause Hearings, Middlesex County Probation Department as a Probation Officer, and an Executive Assistant to Scranton District Magistrate, Thomas Hart, in Scranton, PA. | 