Behavioral Rehabilitation through Intervention,
Diversion, Guidance, and Engagement
What is BRIDGE Court?
BRIDGE Court is an intensive judicially supervised pretrial program focused on individuals whose mental health diagnosis is the predominant contributor to their offense conduct. The program blends treatment, supervision, incentives, support services, and sanction alternatives.
What are the potential legal benefits of participating in BRIDGE Court?
Participants proceed on one of three tracks: (1) a deferred prosecution agreement conditioned on successful completion of the program; (2) suspended charges for which successful completion of program may result in reduction of charges, deferred prosecution agreement, full dismissal, or, if the case proceeds, consideration by the court in sentencing; or (3) a guilty plea, after which successful completion of the program will be taken into account by the court for sentencing.
What are the participants’ responsibilities in BRIDGE Court?
Participants agree to take part in BRIDGE Court for approximately 12 months, though the term may be extended up to an additional 12 months. Participants agree to comply with a treatment program and attend regular group meetings with the program’s presiding Magistrate Judge, Pretrial Service Officer, and other BRIDGE Court participants.
Who is eligible to participate in BRIDGE Court?
Eligible participants must have a confirmed mental health diagnosis that is the predominant contributing factor to the offense conduct. Participants may have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder, but the mental health diagnosis must be the primary contributor. Acceptance into BRIDGE Court requires approval of the S.D.N.Y. U.S. Attorney’s Office, the District Judge initially assigned to the case, and the committee overseeing the program.
How does someone apply for BRIDGE Court?
To be considered, please download and complete the Statement of Interest Form available at https://nysd.uscourts.gov. Defense counsel should submit the completed form to NYSD_BRIDGECourt@nysd.uscourts.gov. If invited to apply, participants will be provided a more detailed application packet. Questions about BRIDGE Court should be directed to the program’s Pretrial Officer at BRIDGEcourt@nyspt.uscourts.gov.