Pretrial Services - Mission and Guiding Principles
Mission
To assist the Superior Court in its application of statutory release criteria
by providing information that facilitates the release and detention decision-making
process at the earliest opportunity in order to enhance the overall administration
of justice and minimize unnecessary pretrial detention. Pretrial Services is
committed to implementing comprehensive supervision strategies to enhance community
safety, reduce nonappearance, and to provide supportive services for defendants
that encourage a refrain from future criminal misconduct.
Guiding Principles
- Guiding Principle One: The Constitutional Presumption of Innocence
The constitutional presumption of innocence of the pretrial defendant should lead
to the least restrictive release consistent with community safety and return to
court; and preventive detention only as a last resort based on a judicial
determination of the risk of non-appearance in court and/or danger to any person
or to the community.
- Guiding Principle Two: Non-Financial Conditions of Release
Non-financial conditional release, based on the history, characteristics, and
reliability of the defendant, is more effective than financial release conditions.
Reliance on money bail discriminates against indigent defendants and cannot
effectively address the need for release conditions that protect the public.
- Guiding Principle Three: Pro-Social Interventions
Pro-social interventions that address substance abuse, employment, housing,
medical, educational, and mental health issues afford defendants the opportunity
for personal improvement and decrease the likelihood of criminal behavior.
- Guiding Principle Four: Innovation, Effective Use of Technology, and the Development of Human Capital
Innovation, effective use of technology, and the development of human capital
lead to organizational excellence, transparency, high professional and ethical
standards, and accountability to the public.