Solicitor Diversion Programs
Pretrial Intervention

Pretrial Intervention

Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is a diversion program established by state statue and upon successful completion charge(s) are dismissed and criminal prosecution is avoided. With the support of PTI, all participants are provided an opportunity to evaluate themselves and to make necessary changes for a more positive lifestyle.

Who is eligible for PTI?

The PTI Act of 1980 states that PTI shall be appropriate where:

  1. The offender is at least 18 years of age;
  2. Justice will be served by placing the offender in an intervention program;
  3. The needs of offender and state can be better met outside the traditional criminal justice process
  4. The offender poses no threat to the community;
  5. The offender is unlikely to be involved in further criminal activity;
  6. The offender is likely to respond quickly to rehabilitative treatment;
  7. The offender has no significant prior criminal history.
  8. No prior participation in PTI

How does the participant enter PTI?

  • A participant is referred to PTI by the Solicitor, Summary Court Judge or Municipal Court Judge.
  • Prior to the scheduled court date, Summary Court and Municipal Court cases may be eligible to enter PTI as a self-referral. All General Sessions cases must be referred by the Solicitor.

If you are interested in applying to the Pretrial Intervention Program, please contact the office at (843) 915- 5365 for more information.

What is needed to apply?

  • Program fees in the amount of $350.00 (payable by money order or a debit/credit card)
  • Driver’s license (or another photo ID)
  • Social Security Card

What is required while in the program?

  • Report to PTI as required
  • Complete sixty (60) hours of community service work for a non-profit organization
  • No illegal drug use
  • Pay restitution to the victim if applicable
  • Participate in outside services if required (alcohol/drug education or treatment,  life-skills group, anger management, etc)
  • Complete all goals and deadlines

How long is the program?

The length of participation in PTI ranges from four (4) to twelve (12) months, based on the participant’s individual needs and goals.

Completion

Successful Completion

  • Upon completion, all applicable agencies are notified to dismiss the charge(s) (Solicitor, Magistrate Court, Municipal Court, Police Department, SLED)
  • Participants have the right to request expungement of the dismissed charge(s) at an additional cost of $285.00. Expungement is not a requirement.

Unsuccessful Completion

Should a participant unsuccessfully complete the program, the PTI file is closed and the court is notified.

Out of Area Participation

Participants who reside outside the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit and that do not wish to commute to the Horry or Georgetown County office, may complete their program requirements within their area. The participant must maintain contact with the PTI office by phone, mail, fax and/or e-mail. The case manager will assist the participant in locating resources in their areato successfully complete the program requirements.