A Guide to the Orange & Osceola County Drug Diversion Program (PTI)

By: John Guidry II

I have some good news for those facing drug charges in Orange and Osceola County. There is a local diversion program—officially called Pretrial Intervention or PTI—designed to help people get their cases completely dropped.

My name is John Guidry, and after defending clients for over 32 years, I can tell you that a program this good is a rare opportunity. The goal of “diversion” is simple: you complete a few requirements, and in exchange, the prosecutor dismisses your case. This is one of the best ways to protect your record, and it’s available right here in Central Florida.

Charged with a Drug Crime in Orange or Osceola County? This local diversion program could be your path to a complete dismissal. Call my office to find out if you qualify. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

The Three Levels of the Local Drug Diversion Program

The Orange and Osceola County PTI programs are broken down into three levels, each targeting different types of offenses.

Level 1: For Misdemeanor Marijuana (and sometimes possession of cocaine charges) This is the easiest and most convenient diversion program I have ever seen.

• Who it’s for: Primarily for individuals charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and, sometimes, possession of cocaine charges
• Program Details: This is a 90-day, fully online program. You are not supervised in person. After being accepted, you’ll receive login information to complete a drug evaluation, a few hours of community service, and an online class or two. Because it’s remote, I’ve even had clients living in other countries successfully complete it.

Level 2: For Felony Drug Possession This level is a fantastic opportunity for those facing more serious charges.

• Who it’s for: Individuals facing felony possession charges for drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or Xanax. A minor prior record may not disqualify you.
• Program Details: This is a more intensive, in-person supervised program that lasts from 6 to 12 months. You will report to a probation officer from the Department of Corrections, much like standard probation.

Level 3: Drug Court (Intensive Treatment) This is the most intensive level, which is essentially the long-standing Drug Court program.

• Who it’s for: This program is designed for individuals who have a significant substance abuse problem and require structured, long-term treatment to succeed.
• The Reality: Drug Court is one of the best treatment programs on Earth, but it can be torture if you don’t truly need it. Certified counselors will evaluate you to determine if you are an appropriate candidate. It involves frequent court appearances, intensive counseling, and rigorous drug testing.

These programs are an incredible opportunity to earn a dismissal and protect your future. I encourage you to talk to your lawyer about it, and if it’s a good fit, take advantage of it before the policies change or the programs are gone. As a local attorney, I know the ins and outs of this specific PTI program and can help you navigate the process. If your case is here in Central Florida, give my office a call.

Before jumping into a diversion program here in Central Florida, you should understand the risks, so I’ve done a video about this on YouTube, check out “The Risks of Diversion Programs: What You Need to Know First“.

About the Author, John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.