What is Pretrial Services?
Pretrial Services is a supervision and monitoring program ordered by a judge as a condition of bond or release for someone who has been charged with a crime but hasn’t been to trial.
How long are people on the program?
Until the criminal case is resolved, or the judge presiding over the case removes conditions. The average length of time a person is on the program is around five months.
Why are some people charged with crimes put on pretrial programs?
This is a decision made by the judge in charge of the criminal case who takes a wide variety of factors into consideration — like terms of employment, family responsibilities, and student status — when determining the best interest of the person who has been charged.
How can people be released from the program?
When the judge who has the case decides they can be released.
What monitoring programs are available?
The judge or Pretrial Services Unit officials determine what specific conditions will be required for people in the program. For the monitoring of alcohol consumption, a portable breath testing device, an ankle monitor, or random urinalysis (UA) testing may be used. Drug monitoring can be completed by UA testing, oral swab testing, or a transdermal drug patch. A Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring unit may be used to make sure people do not violate terms of pretrial release if they have restrictions on where they are allowed to go. Judges also have the option to order an individual to Pretrial supervision without any drug, alcohol, or GPS monitoring.
Who chooses the alcohol monitoring program people in the program will be on?
The Judge may select a specific program or ask the Pretrial Services Unit to assess and select the program which is the best fit for each person in the program.
What are the fees associated with a Pretrial Program?
There is no cost for supervision by a Pretrial Case Manager. There are costs for monitoring programs, which vary by program and are subject to change. A fee waiver is available.
When does a Pretrial Program officially start?
It starts as soon as a judge signs the Pretrial Release Order. When scheduling Pretrial Orientation, the person in the program will be given specific instructions and expectations for each component of the program .
What if people are non-compliant during a Pretrial program?
The Pretrial Services Unit is required to report any violations to the 4th District court, the prosecutor, and the defense attorney. The reported violations are then handled at the court level and can include: an arrest warrant, increase in bond, or return to custody.
Will other people drinking alcohol next to someone with an alcohol detection device set that device off?
Although these devices are quite sensitive, personal contact with one another will not affect the device.
Why are some people placed on pretrial program before being found guilty?
This is a court-ordered program where the Judge has found it necessary for some people to participate. The reasoning varies, but the most common reason is to monitor for alcohol or drug use.
What is the purpose of a Pretrial Program?
To enhance community safety, reduce failure to appear warrants, and save tax payer money by freeing a jail bed which could have otherwise been taken by a non-violent defendant. The long term goal of the program is to reduce recidivism in our community.