Pretrial diversion offers those accused of a crime the opportunity to have their charges dismissed, thus avoiding conviction, incarceration, and other penalties. Do not leave something as important as your freedom and your future up to chance.
Bogin, Munns & Munns can determine if you qualify for pretrial intervention/diversion and fight to get you into a program. Let our Ocala, Florida, pretrial diversion lawyers help you navigate the criminal court system and fight for the most advantageous outcome for your case.
Our Ocala Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Protect Your Rights
Since 1979, Bogin, Munns & Munns has helped clients across central Florida with their legal issues. We can be your voice if you or a loved one faces criminal charges.
Our attorneys will use their years of experience, knowledge of state and federal law, and familiarity with the Florida courts to pursue justice for you and your loved ones.
Our team can examine your case and establish your eligibility for pretrial diversion. If you qualify, we can then petition the prosecuting attorney or State Attorney’s Office for the opportunity to enter into a pretrial intervention/diversion program in Marion County, Florida. If possible, we can also work to:
- Get your charges reduced or dropped
- Seek to have you released on bail/get your bail lowered
- Create a criminal defense using witness testimony, physical data, police reports, and other evidence
- Negotiate a plea bargain
- Have your criminal record dismissed, expunged, or sealed
We Assist with Various Criminal Cases
If applicable, we can seek a pretrial diversion to avoid certain criminal penalties, and keep a conviction off your record. However, we can also protect your rights if diversion is not an option. Our attorneys can assist with charges involving:
- Theft, including petit theft and grand theft
- Robbery
- Property damage
- Assault
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Habitual traffic offenses
- First-time possession of controlled substances
- Trespassing
- Probation violations
- And more
The criminal justice system can be complex, and those without legal expertise can quickly find themselves overwhelmed. Do not gamble with your case’s outcome. Let Bogin, Munns & Munns handle your legal issues so that you can focus on a brighter future.
To consult with an experienced pretrial diversion lawyer serving Ocala
(855) 780-9986
Eligibility for Pretrial Diversion in Florida
According to the United States Department of Justice, federal and state courts can use diversion as an alternative to prosecution. Diversion programs help both offenders and the court by:
- Preventing future criminal activities by assisting offenders through supervision and community programs
- Preserving the court’s resources for major cases
- Addressing underlying factors that contribute to criminal activities
Florida Statutes § 948.08 states that pre-trail intervention programs are available to first-time offenders and offenders who do not have more than one previous nonviolent misdemeanor conviction. You can seek diversion for misdemeanors, third-degree felony offenses outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 810, or any other felony that is not a “forcible felony” as defined by Florida Statutes § 776.08.
The opportunity for pretrial intervention/diversion is at the discretion of the Ocala/Marion County State Attorney’s Office. If you qualify, our lawyers can help you request access to a program with the end goal of getting your charges dismissed.
Diversion Programs Available in Ocala
Diversion programs and their administration vary by city and county based on jurisdiction. Offenders in Ocala and Marion County are under the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. The circuit offers:
- Pretrial intervention. With pretrial intervention, an offender has the opportunity to enroll in a special program. If the offender completes the program and meets its requirements, the court will dismiss the charges. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the following programs are available to offenders in the Fifth Judicial Circuit:
- Drug court
- Veterans court
- Alcohol Education Program
- DUI Treatment Court Program
- Traffic Education Program
- Youth Arbitration Programs
- With diversion, an offender admits responsibility, but punishment is diverted for six months to one year. During this time, the offender is under the supervision of their local probation office. Terms of diversion may also require the defendant to enter into one of the programs mentioned above. If the offender completes the terms of their diversion, the court will dismiss their charges.
Ocala Pretrial Diversion Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
You Must Adhere to the Terms of Your Pretrial Diversion
The specific terms of your pretrial intervention/diversion depend on the charges you face and the program you enroll in. However, generally, offenders must:
- Complete mandatory substance abuse or rehabilitation programs
- Remain drug or alcohol-free/pass random screenings
- Pay fines or restitution to victims
- Pay program fees
- Complete community service
- Maintain employment or full-time student status
- Provide updates to your probation officer or court-assigned supervisor
- Comply with any other court-orders
- Avoid arrest or additional criminal charges
At the end of your diversion period, the State Attorney’s Office will review your case and dismiss your charges if you have met the requirements. If the court decides you did not meet the terms of your pretrial intervention/diversion, it may order additional education or treatment, jail-based education or treatment, or revert to prosecution.
Our Ocala pretrial diversion lawyers can help you demonstrate to the court that you have completed your program and qualify for dismissal. If the court disagrees, we can defend you and help you fight for additional opportunities to resolve your case without imprisonment or prosecution.
Contact Bogin, Munns & Munns
Criminal charges can lead to severe penalties and a record that could jeopardize your future. Do not sit back and wait to see what happens with your case. Let our Ocala pretrial diversion lawyers fight for the opportunity to have your charges dismissed via pretrial intervention or diversion.
Our team can help you build a criminal defense if diversion is not an option. The sooner you reach out, the sooner our criminal defense attorneys can get started on your case.
If you involve us early enough, we may even be able to get your charges diminished or dropped. Contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today to find out more about how we can help you and protect your rights.
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