The Pre-Trial Intervention program (PTI) may be available for defendants with no or minimal prior records charged with certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Accepted applicants are diverted from regular court divisions. PTI includes specific probationary sanctions and requires repayment of any restitution. The Department of Corrections supervises felony cases and the Sheriff’s Office supervises misdemeanor cases. Individuals in Drug Court may participate in PTI as a component of their drug court.
Upon successful completion of all sanctions, the charges will be dismissed. In those instances where sanctions are not completed timely, PTI may be revoked resulting in the case following standard prosecution procedures.
Pinellas County PTI Procedures
(UPDATED 01/06/2025)
While a person is being considered for PTI, they are required to appear at all scheduled court hearings. If the PTI application is approved, a copy of the proposed contract is provided to the defense attorney for review with their client. If necessary, any changes to the contract should be made prior to the next court hearing. If the PTI application is denied, normal court hearings will resume.
The approved contract and a copy of the contract will be presented in court and will require the signature of all parties during the court hearing.
Felony PTI
Once the judge signs the PTI Order, that individual will report with a copy of the fully signed contract to register for probation directly to Department of Corrections Probation, Pinellas County Justice Center, Room 1930.
Misdemeanor PTI
Once the judge signs the PTI Order, that individual will report with a copy of the fully signed contract to register for probation directly to PCSO Misdemeanor Probation, Suite 130, 14500 49th Street North, Clearwater. Please note that this location is not inside the Pinellas County Justice Center.
The original executed contract and original signed order will be placed in the Court file and copies will be provided to the defense attorney pursuant to standard processing procedures.
Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing may result in the issuance of a capias.
How to apply
Applicants must complete the three documents listed below and submit to the Office of the State Attorney as directed on the application.
Downloadable forms:
- PTI Application (en Español)
- Statement of Prior Record (en Español)
- One of the following, depending on whether defendant is represented by an attorney.
- Unrepresented defendants: Written Plea of Not Guilty and Waiver of Speedy Trial (en Español)
- Represented defendants: Waiver of Speedy Trial
All forms provided in fillable PDF format.