What Are Pretrial Services?

According to Bresee, pretrial services are similar to parole but occur before your trial, typically ordered for more serious misdemeanors or felony charges [1]. The court uses pretrial services to monitor you, ensuring you remain in the area and refrain from committing any crimes while awaiting your trial. Not everyone is placed on pretrial services; it is usually reserved for those facing felony charges.

When you are on pretrial services, you have to be on your best behavior. A condition of pretrial services is that you do not take drugs or consume alcohol. This requirement gets a lot of people in trouble so be extra aware of your actions while on pretrial services

Pretrial services are managed by a neutral entity that works in coordination with various criminal justice agencies. The program is divided into two main units: the Pretrial Officer Unit and the Pretrial Case Management Unit.

Understanding Jefferson County Pretrial Services in Colorado

According to SCLG, if you’re arrested in Jefferson County, Colorado, you may be placed on pretrial services upon release on bail or your own recognizance [2]. The Jefferson County Pretrial Services Program monitors your compliance with release conditions while your criminal case is pending.

Pretrial Services operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, located in the Jefferson County Courthouse at 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Ste 1500, Golden, CO 80419.

Pretrial Services Process

After an arrest in Jefferson County, you’ll be interviewed by the Pretrial Officer Unit located at the Jefferson County Detention Facility, 200 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401.

The Pretrial Officer will prepare a report including:

Your criminal history, if any.
Your risk of reoffending, based on the Colorado Pretrial Risk Assessment Tool (CPAT).
Your mental and physical health.
Any potential threat to public safety.
Additional information to assist the judge in deciding on your release.

If the judge does put you on pretrial services, you have only 24 hours after leaving jail to check in with the Pretrial Case Management Unit. To check in, call 303-271-6528 or use their online form to schedule your intake: The Unit can usually complete your intake the same day over the phone

You may be assigned a pretrial case manager who will monitor your compliance with the bond conditions set by the judge and provide referrals to necessary service providers. Once your criminal case is resolved—whether by conviction, acquittal, or dismissal—you will be removed from pretrial services.

Conditions of Pretrial Services

Abstinence from Drugs and Alcohol:
Defendants are often required to abstain from drugs and alcohol as a condition of their release, with regular urinalysis testing conducted to ensure compliance.

Travel Permission:
Depending on the severity of the charges, defendants may need permission to travel outside the county or state, and travel restrictions are common, particularly in serious cases.

Pretrial Services Fees:
Defendants may be responsible for paying fees associated with pretrial services, with payment options and accepted forms of payment discussed during the process.

Court Appearances:
Regular court appearances are mandatory for defendants on pretrial services, and attendance is essential for maintaining compliance and demonstrating respect for the judicial process.

Electronic Monitoring and Substance Abuse Counseling:
In some cases, defendants may be required to wear electronic monitoring devices or attend substance abuse counseling as part of their pretrial conditions, promoting accountability and supporting rehabilitation.

Check-Ins:
Regular check-ins with the Pretrial Officer Unit are mandatory, where defendants must update their circumstances, such as changes in address or employment status.

What to Do If You Know the Defendant Violated a Pre-Trial Release Condition

According to NWA, if you are aware that a defendant has violated a pre-trial release condition, it’s important to note that this is not a criminal offense [3].

Instead of contacting the police, you should reach out to the Probation Department and the Victim Witness Advocate at the District Attorney’s Office handling the case. Provide as much detailed information as possible, as these departments will collaborate to bring the issue before a judge.

A hearing will be scheduled to determine if the defendant violated the release conditions, and you may be asked to provide a written statement or testify. If a third party witnessed the violation, they can report it on your behalf.

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References:
1. https://bresee.com/blog/pretrial-services-in-jefferson-colorado-what-you-need-to-know/
2. https://www.shouselaw.com/co/blog/jefferson-county-pretrial-services-how-it-works/
3. https://www.northwesternda.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3601/f/uploads/pre-trial_release_conditions2021.pdf

Jefferson County Pretrial Services: What You Need to Know