Yes, in many cases, first offenses in drug crimes, including possession charges for most controlled dangerous substances, carry a presumption of non-incarceration.
Rather than sentence you to jail or prison, the prosecutor and the judge will typically agree to alternate penalties, such as a Pre-Trial Intervention program (PTI).
PTI agreements will put your case on hold while you meet various obligations, which may include attending rehab, submitting to random drug tests, and similar activities.
After the term of the PTI, if you have successfully met the requirements, your case will be dismissed.
PTI is usually a one-year intervention, with the goal of redirecting offenders toward less risky behavior in the future.
If you have been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, you should know all of your options.
While PTI and other alternative sentencing is certainly available, in many cases it is possible to plead your case down to a disorderly persons offense and avoid the criminal justice process entirely.
Call Matthew Reisig at 732-625-9661 today to learn how to fight drug charges in New Jersey and achieve the most favorable outcome possible.