As a community-based organization, our mission is to support system-impacted people to effectively navigate court processes, avoid future arrest and remain free of system involvement. We do this by providing culturally relevant pretrial services.

The San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project (SF Pretrial) was established in 1976 through the joint efforts of socially conscious members of the public, the San Francisco Bar Association, and the Judges of the Municipal Courts. Their foundational premise was that the goals of community safety and restoration could be achieved by prioritizing on individual development, education, and public service. Our clients, who are all involved in active criminal cases, face potentially life-altering consequences during a particularly vulnerable time in their lives. In light of these facts, our agency adheres to a philosophy rooted in dignity, respect, compassion, and accountability.

Since its inception, SF Pretrial has evolved to meet the diverse needs of the courts, our clients, and the community. Our mission aligns closely with the objectives of our partners throughout the San Francisco justice system: to ensure that individuals charged with crimes attend their court appearances, attain access to rehabilitative services, and contribute to the safety of our communities.

SF Pretrial has a deep history of partnership and collaboration in San Francisco, and our success is due in large part to our unique position within the local justice system. We are embedded in the Courts and work adeptly in formal and informal contexts, providing outreach to clients in the streets, liaising with judges, and working inside the jail to facilitate pretrial release. Through our experience in these areas, we have built deep relationships with community and institutional partners. Neutrality is a key element to SF Pretrial’s success; our independent, nonprofit status allows us to maneuver between the Courts, District Attorney’s Office, and Public Defender or Private Counsel to make recommendations on behalf of public safety and our clients.