Hillsborough’s Misdemeanor Intervention Program (MIP): A Detailed Look

A first misdemeanor arrest in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview or Plant City usually brings one urgent question: is there a way to resolve this without a conviction? In Hillsborough County, one possible path is the Misdemeanor Intervention Program, known as MIP. It is a potential alternative to criminal prosecution that may be negotiated by an experienced attorney. It is not automatic, and admission is at the State Attorney’s discretion.

As of this writing in 2026, the State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit provides the following information about MIP on its Programs page and in its MIP application packet. We summarize it below in our own words. All of it is subject to change, so check the State Attorney’s Office’s current official information before relying on any detail.

Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades and has handled many cases involving first-time arrests in Hillsborough County courtrooms. (Our first-time offenders page describes how we approach these cases.)

What the Misdemeanor Intervention Program Is

The State Attorney’s Office (SAO) describes MIP as a diversionary program for first-time offenders. The SAO decides who is admitted, and according to the application packet, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office misdemeanor probation staff handle supervision while a person is in the program. A person enters by signing a written agreement with the State Attorney. When a case is resolved through the program, the packet says, the State drops the charge by filing a nolle prosequi.

Who May Be Eligible, and What Is Generally Excluded

The SAO says MIP is for first-time offenders, and the packet is addressed to first-time misdemeanor offenders. A person can enter only with the SAO’s consent, and the packet states that final approval rests solely with that office. A clean record does not mean an offer will be made.

The SAO does not publish a complete list of charges excluded from MIP. Its materials do show the following:

• Felony charges fall outside MIP. For certain first-time felony cases, the SAO lists a separate Pretrial Intervention program.
• Misdemeanor domestic violence charges have their own program, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, which also requires the SAO’s consent.
• The SAO lists separate programs for certain drug possession cases, first-time DUI cases and some criminal traffic charges.
• The application asks for a person’s complete national criminal and traffic history, including anything expunged or sealed, so prior history matters.

Whether a particular charge and history fit is a question for the prosecutor. That is why the SAO tells defense counsel to contact the Assistant State Attorney assigned to the case about eligibility.

How Someone Applies

Getting into MIP is not automatic, it is often not simple, and it is not right for everyone. According to the SAO’s website and MIP application packet (subject to change), the process generally works like this:

1. Attorney Ron Frey works with the client to determine whether MIP is something they are even interested in pursuing. If, after understanding the potential benefits and having a full understanding of the case, the client wants to pursue it, Attorney Ron Frey can advocate on their behalf and negotiate with the State Attorney’s Office to try to get the SAO on board with a resolution that includes MIP, if warranted and if desired by the client.
2. The applicant fills out the MIP Application Form. It asks for contact details and any other names used, and it requires either a statement that the person has no prior criminal or traffic charges or a full list of them.
3. The applicant signs a Request for Consideration and Waiver of Speedy Trial, which must be notarized. Asking to be considered for MIP means giving up the right to a speedy trial.
4. The form, the waiver and a non-refundable application fee, payable by money order only, go to the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court (MIP) at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse. The form says they must be returned within 10 days.
5. If the SAO approves, the person is contacted about the requirements, and a written MIP agreement is prepared to sign and return.

The packet includes two cautions. Applying does not excuse anyone from a scheduled court date. And failing to disclose a complete criminal history can lead to a violation and termination from the program. The SAO posts the application in English and Spanish on its Programs page.

Typical Program Conditions

According to the packet, a person in MIP is monitored by the program for three to five months and agrees to avoid any further violations of the law during that time. The packet also describes one-time program costs, a monthly supervision cost, and possible further costs, which may include restitution, rehabilitation programs and a community service insurance fee. Each person’s specific requirements are set out in their written agreement after approval. The SAO’s information is subject to change, and the amounts listed in the packet may not match current amounts, so confirm the current terms with the SAO or the program.

What Happens on Completion, and on Failure

On completion, the packet says the charge would be dropped, along with the possible opportunity to avoid a criminal record. That does not make the arrest itself disappear. Whether an arrest record can later be sealed or expunged is a separate question under Florida law, discussed on our first-time offenders page.

Beyond warning that undisclosed history can lead to termination, the SAO’s published materials say little about what happens when a person does not finish. In general, when a diversion agreement is not completed, the case can return to court and continue as a regular prosecution.

How MIP Differs From Pretrial Intervention (PTI)

• Type of charge. MIP is for first-time misdemeanor offenders. The SAO describes Pretrial Intervention as a program that may be available to certain first-time felony offenders.
• Who supervises. MIP is monitored by the Sheriff’s misdemeanor probation staff. The SAO says PTI is supervised by the Department of Corrections and includes specific probationary sanctions.
• What they share. Both are diversion programs, both depend on the State Attorney’s decision, and neither is automatic.

For more on how felony diversion is approached here, see our post on Hillsborough pretrial intervention.

How Attorney Ron Frey Can Help Seek an MIP Offer

Admission to MIP is at the State Attorney’s discretion, and no lawyer can promise it. What an experienced attorney can do is help make sure the prosecutor sees the full picture. Attorney Ron Frey can:

• Review eligibility. Look at the charge, the facts in the police report, any prior history, an alleged victim’s position, and whether money is owed, all of which can affect whether an offer is made.
• Present mitigation. Show the person behind the charge, such as work history, family responsibilities, and steps already taken.
• Advocate and negotiate. If the client wants to pursue MIP, negotiate with the assigned Assistant State Attorney to try to get the SAO on board, including by pointing out any problems in the State’s case that may make a diversion agreement the more sensible resolution.
• Review the agreement. Make sure every condition is understood before anyone signs.
• Weigh the alternatives. MIP means waiving speedy trial and taking on months of obligations. If the evidence has real problems, such as a questionable stop, contesting the case may be the better route.

Why Talk With a Lawyer First

Applying for MIP involves a notarized waiver of the right to a speedy trial and a full disclosure of your history. Those are significant steps to take before you understand your case. Every case is different. A lawyer can help you decide whether MIP, another program, or a defense on the merits fits the facts, and can flag concerns that may matter to licensed professionals and students. (See our Hillsborough County criminal defense page.)

If you or a friend or family member faces any stop, search, seizure, inquiry, investigation, arrest or target letter, contact a lawyer.

Hillsborough MIP FAQ

What does MIP stand for in Hillsborough County?

The Misdemeanor Intervention Program, a diversion program the State Attorney’s Office describes as being for first-time offenders.

Will I qualify for MIP because it’s my first arrest?

Not necessarily. Admission requires the State Attorney’s consent, and each case is reviewed on its own facts.

Can I apply for MIP without a lawyer?

The application packet is addressed to the individual, but the SAO’s website tells defense counsel to contact the assigned prosecutor about eligibility. It is wise to talk with a lawyer before signing the speedy trial waiver.

What if I start MIP and can’t finish it?

The case can return to court and continue as a regular prosecution.

Facing a Misdemeanor in Hillsborough? Let’s Talk.

If you or a friend or family member would like to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer about the Misdemeanor Intervention Program or other options in Hillsborough County, contact Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, LLC.

Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.

This post is for general information only. It is not legal advice, and reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

The program information above reflects what the State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit published as of this writing in 2026. It is subject to change, and fees, time frames and requirements may be different today. Check the State Attorney’s Office’s current official information. Admission to MIP is at the State Attorney’s discretion and is never assured. Every situation must be evaluated case by case. Please don’t rely on this post, on any other information online, or on AI to make decisions about your situation. Talk with a lawyer.