The R2R grant solicitations for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 cite the objective of advancing the Federal probation and pretrial services systems by encouraging the development and implementation of evidence-based and best practices. The grant application further notes the purpose of these practices to be the reduction of recidivism for offenders and defendants. The application includes four broad categories of services: risk/needs assessment and case planning, “motivational interviewing” (MI), manual-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other offender intervention. This article addresses the questions and concerns that arose as the author formulated her R2R requests. This involves discussion of the complexities and distinctions involved in moving pretrial services toward research-supported and outcome-oriented practices. The final section of the article describes some of the pretrial-specific projects that have been supported under the R2R grants. One project involved the development of a MI training curriculum customized for pretrial services. It takes into account the legal principles and rights that apply to defendants prior to conviction. The project intends to produce a training guide that addresses pretrial-related issues such as the presumption of innocence and training videos and exercises that use pretrial scenarios. MI at the pretrial stage is effective in targeting immediate needs, such as increasing motivation to obtain employment, stabilizing the defendant’s living situation, or addressing risks related to nonappearance or danger. Another program developed under R2R targets convicted defendants prior to sentencing or self-surrender that involves imprisonment. It educates them about the Bureau of Prisons so they can be proactive and transform their prison terms into constructive periods. 1 table and 26 notes