PreTrial Intervention and Is It Right For You?

The office of the District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District offers a diversionary program called pretrial intervention. If someone is arrested, there is a good chance that they will receive a letter from the District Attorney’s Office offering to let them sign up for the program. Unless the District Attorney’s Office changes their letter, it will even tell them that they do not need an attorney to sign up for the program.

            The pretrial intervention program is good for some people, but it is not right for everyone. In the past, I have used it for my clients, when it was in their best interest to do so.

            As I see the problem with having accused persons admitted to the program without talking to a lawyer of their choice, there is no one to give the accused conflict-free advice – no one to advise them of any defense they have to the charges against them.

My suggestion is that they talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney prior to deciding if the program is right for them. Just like I do, most criminal defense attorneys will give a FREE initial consultation. That is the only way that you can be sure that your legal rights are being protected.