For the first time, if the governor signs the bill, persons charged with municipal court offenses will have the opportunity to apply for conditional discharge or PTI (as known in Superior Court). Under the proposed bill first time offenders, if approved by the prosecutor will have the opportunity to be admitted into a diversionary program and a period of probation, of up to one-year, in which after successfully completing the program will have the case dismissed. This will be a great boast to individuals who might have an immigration problem because of their legal status by pleading guilty to a disorderly person’s offense. Also, this proposed law will be helpful for individuals whom have professions or jobs which would disqualify them from employment if convicted of any disorderly person’s offense.

Under the propose law only individuals who have never had PTI or a previous conditional discharge are eligible. Further, this new alternative diversionary program is not available to persons charged with DWI, among other charges.

This is a public service blog provided to the people from the Law Office of Vincent J. Sanzone, Jr., Esq.

August 1, 2013

Law Office of Vincent J. Sanzone, Jr., Esq.

277 North Broad Street

P.O. Box 261

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Telephone No. (908) 354-7006