Pretrial Services

This program serves three (3) key functions:

1. Collecting and Analyzing Defendant Information: This helps Judicial Officers assess the risk associated with releasing defendants from the jail into the community pretrial.
2. Recommending Release Conditions: The program advises the Court on appropriate conditions for a defendant’s pretrial release.
3. Monitoring and Supervising Released Defendants: The program oversees defendants who have been released into the community during the pretrial phase, ensuring they comply with court orders and conditions.

Risk Assessment

Pretrial Specialists perform Risk Assessments on defendants in jail awaiting their initial court appearance. They utilize an empirically based, statewide validated tool designed to predict the likelihood of defendants failing to appear in court or being re-arrested while on pretrial release status.

Supervision

Pretrial Specialists are responsible for the daily supervision and monitoring of defendants released into the community. They ensure compliance with Court orders by reminding defendants of upcoming court dates and other obligations. Effective supervision improves pretrial outcomes by providing suitable conditions and services for those awaiting trial. Common conditions of pretrial supervision include attending all court dates, abiding by the law, regular check-ins with a Pretrial Specialist, reminders for court dates, drug and alcohol testing, and electronic monitoring.

Value of Pretrial Services

Pretrial Services aims to manage the jail population intelligently, a goal shared by many jurisdictions. In Weld County, the program strives to maximize the release of defendants from jail while minimizing the risks of failure to appear in court and re-arrest. This approach ensures that only those defendants who are likely to fail to appear or pose a threat to public safety remain detained.