Understanding Virginia: Pretrial Services
Virginia pretrial services refer to agencies that help in making bail decisions for adults or juveniles tried as adults who are charged with non-capital offenses. The agencies also assist with monitoring defendants out on bail.
The tasks a pretrial services agency handles include, investigating defendants’ backgrounds, conducting risk assessments, preparing reports with bail recommendations, supervising released defendants, and conducting drug/alcohol tests.
An agency may also be involved in electronic monitoring and treatment referrals.
What’s the point?
The aim of pretrial services in Virginia is to reduce jail overcrowding while also protecting public safety and ensuring court appearance.
How are agencies selected?
Localities are not required to use a specific agency. They can create their own or contract with existing agencies.
often under the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), which sets standards. Alternatively, independent or nonprofit agencies may operate in some jurisdictions. Funding primarily comes from state and local government budgets, with DCJS overseeing program implementation. Costs vary by locality, but no specific fees are charged to defendants for these services, aligning with the goal of equitable justice.
Who pays for it?
Pretrial services are primarily funded through state grants administered by the Department of Criminal Justice. Some localities that contract services, like Bristol, contribute to the funding.
For the sake of equitable justice, defendants aren’t charged fees.
Pretrial Services Agencies in Virginia
Agencies include:
- Prince George County Pretrial Services Agency
- Coverage: Prince George County
- Description: Provides screening, investigation, risk assessment using the Virginia Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument, and supervision for defendants.
- Northwestern Regional Pretrial Services Agency
- Coverage: City of Winchester, Clarke County, Frederick County
- Description: Operates under the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, offering investigative and supervisory services to reduce jail overcrowding and assist judicial officers.
- Southwest Virginia Community Corrections Pretrial Services
- Coverage: Cities of Bristol and Norton; Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise Counties
- Description: A grant-funded agency serving the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority (except Bristol, which contracts and pays 25% of costs).
- James City County Pretrial Services
- Coverage: James City County
- Description: Divided into investigative and supervisory divisions, providing reports and supervision to assist judicial officers.
- Chesterfield County Pretrial Services
- Coverage: Chesterfield County, City of Colonial Heights
- Description: Offers investigative reports, supervision, and additional services like drug testing and electronic monitoring.
- Norfolk Pretrial Services
- Coverage: City of Norfolk
- Description: Conducts investigations and supervises defendants to reduce jail overcrowding while ensuring public safety.
- Prince William County Pretrial Supervision Program
- Coverage: Prince William County
- Description: Includes standard and intensive supervision programs, using risk assessments to recommend bond conditions and monitor compliance.
- Virginia Beach Community Corrections & Pretrial Services
- Coverage: City of Virginia Beach
- Description: Provides investigative and supervisory services for defendants awaiting arraignment, assisting courts with release decisions.
- Rockingham County Pretrial Services
- Coverage: Rockingham County
- Description: Focuses on supervision and compliance with court-ordered conditions, targeting nonviolent defendants.
- Lynchburg Community Corrections and Pretrial Services
- Coverage: City of Lynchburg
- Description: Provides investigative and supervisory services, with officers performing court-ordered duties.
- Fairfax County Pretrial Services
- Coverage: Fairfax County
- Description: Likely operates a pretrial services program, though specific details are not fully outlined in the references. Inferred from Fairfax County’s involvement in criminal justice services.
