Pretrial Services

Pretrial Services


The Pretrial Services Agency was established to provide screening, investigating, reporting, recommendations, and supervision for defendants released to the custody of pretrial services.  Investigative reports will be presented to the courts to assist in making more informed bonding decisions and appropriate supervision and services will be provided to pretrial defendants; thus, enhancing public safety.

The Process

The pretrial investigator interviews persons incarcerated on misdemeanor or felony offenses. The investigator conducts a criminal record check and obtains and verifies information concerning employment, residency, and other ties to the community. Pretrial investigators interview defendants either immediately before or after the advisement hearing (in district court) or arraignment (in circuit court), where attorney representation is determined.

The pretrial investigator uses the Virginia Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument to gauge defendants' risk of flight and potential danger to the community. The investigator reports these findings to the court, to the Commonwealth's Attorneys' offices, and to counsel for the defendants (whether court-appointed or retained).

Supervision

Defendants that are arrested and granted bond may also be required to be under the supervision of Pretrial Services while pending trial. The defendant will be required to report to a Pretrial Officer in person at the minimum of every other week.

There are standard conditions of pretrial supervision, and there may be special conditions as established by the court, which may include the following:

  • Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Substance Abuse Testing
  • Alcohol Screens
  • Abstaining from alcoholic beverages 
  • Home Electronic Monitoring (fee required)
  • Curfew Requirements
  • Employment Requirements
  • No Contact Orders

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