How it works

What Is Pretrial Mitigation?

Pretrial mitigation is the work you do before your case is resolved to show that you are taking the situation seriously. That can include treatment, testing, therapy and check-ins, all kept in clear records.

Here is what happens after you contact ETS.

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From first call to an organized plan

Understand the situation
Build the plan
Start services
Document progress
Keep everyone organized

You do not need to have everything figured out before you call.

The definition

A Smarter Way to Respond After Arrest

Instead of waiting for the court to tell you what to do, you start on your own. You might begin addiction treatment, mental health therapy, or regular drug and alcohol testing.

Show what you are already doing — not just what you promise to do.

Start before court
Begin appropriate steps before the next hearing when possible.
Keep a clear record
Treatment, testing, monitoring and attendance can be documented.
Give your attorney clearer information
Organized records may help your attorney understand what has already been done.

Professionals keep track of each step. Your attorney can then share that progress when it may help, for example when discussing pretrial diversion.

No one can promise a specific outcome. The court decides how your efforts are considered.

Step by step

How Pretrial Mitigation Works

Seven steps, from your first call to ongoing support. Each step is simple. Together they build a clear record.

01
First Contact
A confidential call about what happened, your court dates and what worries you most right now.
You can call, or a family member or your attorney can call for you.
02
Review the Situation
We look at treatment needs, mental health or substance use concerns, who your attorney is, and how much time there is before court.
Often this includes a professional clinical evaluation.
03
Build the Plan
We organize the treatment, testing, monitoring, evaluations or support that fit your situation.
Not every client needs every service.
See the services ETS can coordinate
04
Start Services
We help connect you with the services in your plan, often within the first few days.
Outpatient therapy, group support, substance use treatment, or random testing.
About behavioral health and substance use treatment
05
Track Progress
We keep records of attendance, test results, monitoring and progress over time.
Clear records are easier for your attorney to use.
See how court progress reports work
06
Keep Everyone Organized
With your permission, we share updates with your family, your providers and your attorney.
One point of contact instead of many.
See how ETS works with attorneys
07
Continue Support
As your case moves forward, we adjust the plan and keep the records up to date.
Your attorney decides how and when records are used.
Explore ongoing support services

Start before the court tells you to

When to Start (and Why Timing Is Everything)

Pretrial means before the court decides. Learn how pretrial diversion may work in California.

Before the court tells you to
Pretrial means before court orders
Starting early may give you more time to act, instead of waiting for a judge to order a program.
Show responsibility through action
Starting early shows responsibility
Treatment or support started early can help create a clearer record.
More time means more progress to document
More time means more progress to show
The earlier you begin, the more time there may be to show consistent participation.

Who does what

Everyone Has a Different Role

ETS is not a law firm and not a rehab center. We help organize the treatment side so your attorney can focus on the legal side.

ETS

Helps organize treatment, support services and records.

One point of contact for the treatment side of your case.

Connected through coordination

You
Take part in the plan and follow through.
Your Family
Supports you where it is helpful and appropriate.
Your Attorney
Leads the legal strategy and decides how records may be used.
How ETS works with attorneys