WHAT ARE PRETRIAL SERVICES?

Pretrial services programs enhance community safety by providing information and services to judicial officers determining a defendant's risk to public safety. This information may be provided at an initial bail release decision or at subsequent bail review hearings.

Supervision services are primarily targeted for nonviolent defendants who have been admitted to bail, but incarcerated in lieu of a secure bond. Release to pretrial supervision allows for the imposition of conditions on a defendant awaiting trial.

Pretrial services are predicated on protecting the community and preserving the constitutional presumption of innocent until proven guilty. Neither the nature and circumstances, nor whether a firearm was used, or the weight of the evidence of the current case is discussed.

The pretrial services program provides supervision to the defendant and assures compliance with specific conditions imposed by a judicial officer. The pretrial screening, interview, and background investigation provide the criminal history and community stability of a defendant, including risk factors relating to flight and the potential for continued criminal activity.

SERVICES OFFERED

• Individuals can be placed on pretrial services supervision only by a magistrate or judge. Pretrial services supervision is a bail release program which allows individuals who meet certain criteria to be released from incarceration under personal recognizance, unsecured bond, and, in some circumstances, under a secured bond.
• Persons placed on pretrial services supervision must report to their assigned pretrial services officer a minimum of once per week and must submit to random alcohol and drug screenings.
• GPS (Global Positioning System) monitoring for qualified defendants.

FAILURE TO COMPLY / VIOLATIONS

Failure to comply with the pretrial services supervision will result in rearrest. Violations may include:

• Arrest on a different charge committed while under supervision
• Alcohol or drug use
• Falsifying information (such as address, phone, employment, etc.)
• Failure to comply with other program requirements

Pretrial placements can be required by a pretrial officer or be voluntarily referred to attend substance abuse groups (e.g., HEADSUP), anger management groups, and other agencies' programs (e.g., GED, job placement, etc.).