The Pretrial phase of a criminal case occurs after a Defendant is arraigned and during the time the Defendant is awaiting trial.
Those on Pretrial Release are allowed the opportunity to remain outside of detention through the duration of their criminal case while agreeing to terms and conditions ordered by the court, including the expectation they will attend all future hearings. Pretrial Release is monitored until disposition of the case.
Any violation of release conditions may result in a hearing to show cause as to why release should be modified or revoked. Contempt of Court Charges also may be filed for violation of a release condition. Failure to appear at any future hearing may result in a warrant for arrest.
Pretrial Services Division staff consist of Release Assistance Officers (RAO) who make recommendations to the court regarding release and conditions based on a Defendants criminal history and other factors such as ties to the community. RAO's are assigned to monitor compliance of Defendants who are on Pretrial Release and ordered to Pretrial Monitoring. Clients who are actively monitored by Pretrial Services are required to follow all ordered conditions of release as well as report to Pretrial Services on a designated recurring schedule for the duration of their criminal proceedings.