Felony Case Diversion Support
Diversion Options in Felony Cases
A felony charge does not point to one universal diversion program. Different California legal pathways may apply to different cases. Defense counsel determines what legal option, if any, is available. ETS helps coordinate assessments, treatment, monitoring, case management and authorized documentation when those services are actually relevant.
Support may include
Assessments & Evaluations
Mental Health Treatment
Substance Use Treatment
Testing / Monitoring
Case Management
Progress Documentation
The appropriate services depend on actual needs, qualified provider recommendations and the legal pathway being evaluated.
Start with the legal pathway
There Is No Single California "Felony Diversion Program"
The phrase "felony diversion" is often used broadly. California has different diversion statutes and legal mechanisms that may apply in different situations. Some pathways may apply to certain felony cases. Others apply only to particular legal or clinical circumstances. ETS does not determine which pathway applies.
Mental health
Mental Health Diversion
Certain cases may involve California's mental health diversion framework.
Veterans / military
Veterans / Military Diversion
Certain cases involving qualifying service members or Veterans may involve a veteran-specific legal pathway.
Drug-related
Drug-Related Diversion
Certain drug-related matters may involve specific diversion statutes or treatment-focused pathways. Not every drug-related case is eligible.
Other pathways
Other Legal Pathways
Other negotiated or statutory pathways may depend on the offense, the jurisdiction and current law.
Defense counsel should identify the legal pathway before anyone assumes that a felony case is eligible for diversion.
Two separate questions
The Felony Charge and the Support Need Are Different Questions
Legal question
- Nature of the charge
- Applicable statute
- Offense restrictions
- Jurisdiction
- Prior history where legally relevant
- Prosecutor / court procedure
- Defense strategy
Support question
- Assessment needs
- Mental health
- Substance use
- Testing
- Monitoring
- Case management
- Documentation
ETS coordinates the support side. It does not determine felony diversion eligibility.
Individualized support
What Support in a Felony Case May Include
Not every felony case involves a treatment need. Support should follow actual needs and qualified provider recommendations.
Assessments & Evaluations
A qualified assessment can clarify what support, if any, fits. ETS helps schedule it and keeps the results organized.
Explore AssessmentsMental Health Treatment
Relevant when a qualified provider identifies a mental health need. ETS helps connect the person with appropriate care.
Explore TherapySubstance Use Treatment
Relevant when a provider recommends it. ETS helps coordinate care and track attendance.
Explore TreatmentTesting / Monitoring
Only when testing or monitoring fits the plan. ETS helps arrange it and keeps results in one place.
Explore MonitoringCase Management
One point of coordination across providers, appointments and records, so the support side stays organized while counsel evaluates the legal path.
Explore Case ManagementProgress Documentation
With written consent, accurate records of participation and progress for defense counsel.
Serious cases require clear roles
Treatment Support Does Not Change the Seriousness of the Charge
A serious charge and a genuine treatment need can both exist at the same time. One does not cancel out the other.
Treatment should address real clinical or behavioral health needs. It should not be presented as proof that a charge is minor or that diversion must be granted.
Qualified clinicians make clinical recommendations. Defense counsel addresses legal consequences and eligibility. ETS helps keep the support side coordinated.
A treatment need can be real without changing the legal seriousness of the charge.
Documentation
Progress Information Should Reflect What Actually Happened
With written consent, ETS can help organize accurate, factual information about participation and progress.
Assessment Completion
Whether and when an assessment was completed.
Treatment Participation
Engagement in recommended care, as reported by providers.
Testing / Monitoring
Results, only when testing or monitoring is part of the plan.
Provider Updates
Authorized updates from treating providers.
Milestones
Key points reached in the support plan.
Progress Summary
An honest overview of progress in one place.
Defense counsel determines whether any information is legally relevant and how it is used.
The coordination process
How ETS Supports the Treatment Side While Counsel Evaluates the Legal Path
Five practical steps. Defense counsel handles the legal pathway the whole time.
Step 01: Understand the Situation
A confidential conversation about what is happening and what support may already be in place.
Step 02: Identify Actual Support Needs
Focus on real needs, not services for their own sake. A qualified assessment may help clarify what fits.
Step 03: Coordinate Qualified Providers
Connect with appropriate providers and set up a workable schedule.
Step 04: Track Participation and Practical Needs
Keep attendance, appointments and practical needs organized over time.
Step 05: Organize Authorized Progress Information
With consent, prepare accurate information for defense counsel.
Clear boundaries
What ETS Does Not Do
ETS coordinates the support side. Defense counsel handles the legal pathway, and qualified providers make clinical decisions.
What ETS Does Not Do
- Determine felony diversion eligibility
- Identify the applicable statute as legal advice
- Determine charge exclusions
- Promise diversion
- Promise reduced charges
- Promise dismissal
- Promise a sentencing outcome
- Provide criminal-defense representation
What ETS Helps Coordinate
- Assessment
- Treatment
- Testing / monitoring where relevant
- Case management
- Provider coordination
- Progress documentation
- Authorized attorney updates
Related
Related Services
ETS services that may be relevant when diversion is being evaluated in a felony case.
Start here
Assessments & Evaluations
A qualified starting point to clarify what support, if any, fits.
Explore AssessmentsWhen care is needed
Case Management
Keeps providers, appointments and records organized in one place.
Explore Case ManagementMental Health Therapy
Therapy with qualified providers.
Explore Mental Health TherapyBehavioral Health & Substance Abuse Treatment
Coordinated care with appropriate providers.
Explore Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse TreatmentPretrial Mitigation & Court Advocacy
Support-side organization alongside defense counsel.
Explore Pretrial Mitigation & Court Advocacy
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers about support in felony cases. Not legal advice.
View All FAQsConfidential consultation
If Diversion Is Being Evaluated in a Felony Case, Get the Support Side Organized
ETS can help coordinate appropriate assessment, treatment, case management and authorized documentation while defense counsel determines the legal pathway.
