Pretrial Intervention

Being charged with a crime can result in imprisonment, loss of a career, and, sometimes, just a lot of embarrassment.  Pretrial Intervention may be answer for you. The criminal defense attorney’s at Masella Law Firm, P.A. will be able to analyze your case and determine if Pretrial intervention is an option you have.  Even though many times it appears that you are eligible to enter Pretrial Intervention, road blocks appear which interfere with your eligibility.  That is how the defense attorney’s at Masella Law Firm can help guide you through the process. If you have been charged with a crime, no matter how serious, call 803-748-9990, toll free 877-728-3734, or email the attorneys at Masella Law Firm, P.A., right away.  They will give you a brief but professional “first impression” analysis of your case and your options, and allow you to take an important first step in defending the case against you.

Pretrial Intervention is an arm of the Solicitor's Office. They work with first time offenders charged with non-violent crime(s) in an effort to settle the charges without going into court. Once a person applies to Pretrial, be it through a Judges referral or a self-referral, a recommendation form is sent to the victim and the arresting officer. The Solicitor's Office is responsible for deciding which applicant may be accepted into the pretrial program. Although the officer and victim’s input are considered, the Solicitor’s Office is the ultimate decision maker and the experience and knowledge that the Criminal Defense Lawyers at Masella Law Firm, P.A. bring for you may be the difference between the solicitor allowing you to participate in the Pretrial Intervention or your having to defend the charges brought against you in open court.

To apply, you must call to make an appointment.  At the scheduled time you must bring: a $100.00 money order or cashier’s check, the arrest warrant(s) or ticket(s), a picture ID and Social Security Card.

Once you are accepted into the program, you will be assigned to a case manager who monitors your progress to insure you complete the requirements of your particular case to include a Get Smart meetings with prisoners, and classes for drug/alcohol education, or self awareness classes and community service work.  Random drug testing may also be a requirement if deemed necessary. If there is restitution due a victim for property loss or medical expenses, the client must pay the total amount before the case is closed. A client must have all requirements met within 90 days and in cases of restitution, possibly up to six months.

Once the person completes Pretrial, the charges against him are dismissed and an Expungement Order is done for all records to be destroyed. A person can only go
through the Pretrial program one time.

So, to take advantage of your opportunity to dispose of your charges discretely and confidentially, contact the criminal defense attorney’s at Masella Law Firm to guide you through the process at 803-748-9990, toll free 877-728-3734, or email  right away.