ASSESSMENT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE PRE-TRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY CRIMINAL DISTRICT, BEAUMONT, TEXAS - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 45067
• Author(s): B D BEAUDIN; J A TROTTER
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 36 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-013-76
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; American University
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE PRETRIAL RELEASE SITUATION IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEX., IS DESCRIBED, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE SERVICES OF THE COUNTY'S PRETRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM ARE OFFERED.

Abstract

ONLY APPROXIMATELY 5 PERCENT OF THOSE PERSONS CHARGED WITH CRIME WHO SECURE RELEASE BEFORE TRIAL DO SO THROUGH THE PRETRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM. THE VAST MAJORITY OF BONDS ARE POSTED BY ATTORNEYS AND PROFESSIONAL BONDSMEN. ALTHOUGH THE PRETRIAL PROGRAM'S MAXIMUM BOND FEE OF 3 PERCENT IS LOWER THAN THE FEE CHARGED BY OTHER BOND SOURCES, DEFENDANTS ARE NOT ADVISED OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE PRETRIAL PROGRAM SERVICES UNTIL ATTORNEYS AND BONDSMEN HAVE HAD 'FIRST CRACK.' THUS, THE PRETRIAL PROGRAM IS INVOLVED IN ONLY A MINIMUM OF PRETRIAL RELEASE DECISIONS. FOR THE CLIENTS WHOSE RELEASE IT DOES SECURE, THE PROGRAM ESTABLISHES A SCHEDULE FOR 'CHECK-IN' CALLS, SENDS LETTERS OF NOTIFICATION, ARRANGES FOR COUNSEL, PROVIDES LIMITED ASSISTANCE WITH NARCOTIC AND OTHER PROBLEMS THROUGH REFERRAL TO COMMUNITY AGENCIES, AND ACCOMPANIES CLIENTS TO COURTS. AMONG RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE PROGRAM ARE ESTABLISHMENT OF WRITTEN STANDARDS AND PRACTICES, ELIMINATION OF THE PRACTICES OF ACCOMPANYING ALL CLIENTS TO COURT AND AUTOMATICALLY SURRENDERING THE BONDS OF CLIENTS WHO ARE REARRESTED, DISTRIBUTION OF A SIMPLE BROCHURE THAT DESCRIBES THE PROGRAM'S FUNCTIONS, AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CLINICAL INTERN PROGRAM TO SECURE THE SERVICES OF STUDENTS FROM A LOCAL UNIVERSITY. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS RELATE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN OBJECTIVE POINT SYSTEM TO PERMIT FORMULATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS BY PERSONS UNSKILLED IN PRETRIAL SERVICES WORK; ENCOURAGEMENT OF WRITTEN RELEASE ORDERS DESCRIBING BAIL CONDITIONS, OBLIGATIONS, AND PENALITIES; AND FORMULATION OF A PLAN TO PERMIT PROGRAM STAFF TO INTERVIEW ARRESTEES PRIOR TO THE ACCUSATION HEARING IN ORDER TO PREPARE A REPORT ON THE COMMUNITY TIES OF THE ACCUSED FOR CONSIDERATION IN SETTING BAIL. THESE AND OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE APPENDED.