There are a few terms or formats used when it comes to securing the release of some people from jail while they await trial for their charges, and two of the most well-known are bail and pretrial release. These two are related in several ways, and may often be utilized simultaneously – and understanding how they work can go a long way.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re here to offer 24/7 bail bond services to clients around Wasatch County, Summit County, Salt Lake County and nearby areas. Here’s a primer on how pretrial release works, how it compares to bail and bail bonds, and many situations where both will be applicable.

What is Pretrial Release?

Broadly speaking, pretrial release refers to either the conditional or non-conditional release of a person awaiting trial. It is usually decided by a judge and can include a number of factors, such as the financial status of the defendant, their criminal history, and other considerations that may affect the likelihood for them to appear in court or pose any kind of threat if released.

In cases of conditional bail bond release, some of the conditions that may play a role here include:

• Bail: Many conditional pretrial release policies involve bail. Bail is a cash deposit or surety bond that must be paid as a guarantee that the defendant will appear in court when required.
• Bail Bonds: In some cases, defendants may not have the financial ability to pay their own bail, and thus seek out a third-party provider for assistance. This is where a bail bondsman comes in, as they charge a fee and provide the defendant with a surety bond to ensure their appearance in court.
• Behavior: Once released, conditional pretrial release policies may also require defendants to follow certain rules or regulations. This could include no drugs, alcohol consumption, or contact with certain individuals.
• Check-ins: Most conditional (and even many non-conditional) pretrial programs require that the defendant check in with a court-appointed monitor or probation officer on a regular basis.

In short, pretrial release is an important element of the justice system and can be essential for those persons facing criminal charges who cannot afford bail. While it does come with many restrictions, it also provides defendants with some flexibility as they await their trial dates.

Factors a Judge Will Assess When Deciding on Pretrial Release

When a judge is considering allowing a given defendant pretrial release, and also considering which conditions they may place on this release, they will be looking at several factors:

• Defendant’s criminal history: A defendant’s prior criminal history, if any, will be taken into consideration. If the defendant has had multiple convictions in the past, or if they have committed serious offenses, a judge may be more likely to deny pretrial release.
• Defendant’s financial status: A defendant’s financial situation is also another factor that will be weighed when deciding on bail. If the defendant cannot afford their own bail, then the judge may opt for a more lenient pretrial release program.
• Defendant’s employment status: The defendant’s current employment status (or lack thereof) will also be taken into account. If the defendant has a steady job and is able to support themselves, they may be more likely to appear in court when required and thus may be granted more leniency by the judge.
• Family history and situation: The family history and situation of the defendant will be considered as well. If they have solid family ties, it is more likely that they will appear in court when required.
• Residence: The defendant’s current residence will be taken into account. If they have a permanent address in the area, it is more likely that they will appear in court when needed.
• Substance abuse history: If the defendant has a history of substance abuse, it is more likely that they will not be granted pretrial release.
• Punctuality in court appearances: If the defendant has a history of making their court appearances on time and in full, they may be more likely to be granted pretrial release.

All of these factors will be taken into consideration when a judge is deciding on pretrial release for a given accused individual. It is important to remember that each case is unique, so what may work for one individual may not necessarily be the same for another. It is up to the judge to ultimately decide which program and conditions are appropriate for a given defendant.

The way that pretrial release works can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but in general it serves as an effective means of allowing individuals to remain out of jail while awaiting trial. It is important to remember that all defendants must adhere to the conditions of their pretrial release, or else they may face serious consequences for not doing so. Ultimately, understanding how bail and pretrial release work together can be essential for those facing criminal charges who are unable to make bail.

For more here, or to learn about any of our bail bond or other services for clients in Summit County, Salt Lake County, Wasatch County or nearby areas of Utah, speak to our team at Beehive Bail Bonds today.