For immediate release: Oct. 16, 2024
Media contacts:
Audrey Cromwell, Gallatin County Attorney
406-582-3745
audrey.cromwell@gallatin.mt.gov
Steve Ette, Gallatin County Court Services Director
406-582-3706
steve.ette@gallatin.mt.gov
New Pretrial Diversion Program Launched in Gallatin County
Gallatin County is introducing a new program that offers adult criminal defendants an alternative to traditional sentencing. The Pretrial Intervention Via Opportunities and Treatment (PIVOT) Program is designed to help participants change behaviors, make amends to victims, and avoid a conviction through tailored interventions and support.
Developed by the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office and Gallatin County Court Services, the PIVOT Program evaluates defendants through an evidence-based needs assessment (ORAS) to identify the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior. Based on the assessment, a court services officer develops a customized plan for the defendant to address accountability, victim restoration, the defendant’s barriers to health, and connects the defendant to services offered in the community.
Participants who meet the program’s criteria may be diverted to the program before charges are filed or may be offered a deferred prosecution agreement by the prosecutor. This agreement allows defendants to avoid prosecution and/or a conviction if they fulfill the conditions of the program, which includes supervision, treatment, and accountability measures.
“Research shows that diverting low-risk offenders to community supervision, rather than imprisonment, is highly effective in reducing recidivism,” said Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell. “We designed the PIVOT program to address the root causes of criminal behavior and strengthen positive ties to the community. Studies show that when offenders receive the support and rehabilitation they need, they are less likely to re-offend, which ultimately makes our community safer. For instance, if someone is unhoused and struggling with addiction, Court Services can connect them with housing assistance through HRDC, counseling from a licensed addiction counselor, and regular drug and alcohol testing for accountability. Too often, we see the same individuals repeatedly on our dockets. With this program, we aim to equip offenders with the tools for lasting, healthy change so they don’t fall back into the criminal justice system.”
The program’s goals are to enhance community safety and reduce recidivism by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. PIVOT emphasizes both rehabilitation and accountability, encouraging defendants to take responsibility, make amends to victims, and engage in meaningful change. Eligible participants are first-time felony and misdemeanor defendants with identifiable treatment, counseling or education needs that can be met within Gallatin County. However, those charged with felony sexual or violent crimes, DUIs, or who have prior convictions are ineligible.
Participants will be referred to the program and assessed by prosecutors, defense attorneys, and Court Services officers.
Steve Ette, Director of Gallatin County Court Services, explained, “We’ve consistently emphasized restorative justice, which holds offenders accountable, repairs the harm done to victims, reduces repeat offenses, and enhances public safety. By using evidence-based assessments, officers can evaluate an individual’s criminogenic risks—such as attitudes, beliefs, and thinking patterns—along with their needs, including employment, housing, substance abuse treatment, or mental health care. This helps officers motivate offenders to develop personalized plans to address these issues while ensuring compliance. The cost savings from reducing court caseloads and conserving criminal justice resources for lower-risk offenders should outweigh the minimal program expenses.”
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