Pre-trial Services
The court may order engagement in pretrial services or a person may choose to engage [self-referral]. The program offers support and accountability to adults accessing necessary mental health care, substance misuse treatment, or other services during the pretrial process.
How does it work?
The Pretrial Monitor offers potential participants three confidential assessments focusing on mental health, substance use, and risk of non-appearance/risk of re-offense. The specific details of the assessments will not be shared with the prosecutor or the Court. The State’s Attorney (prosecutor) may review a summary of the results, and may recommend a case for the pre-charge program. The Judge may consider a summary of the results in determining bail or conditions of release.
Pre-charge Program
The State’s Attorney might review the screening results and offer participants the opportunity to take part in a program that does not involve filing the case with the court. The participant would sign an agreement that focuses on reducing future offenses and work toward repairing any harm caused. Terms of the agreement could include mental health and substance use supports and participation in an alternative justice program, and/or restitution. Under this program, the Pretrial Monitor may refer participants to appropriate support services and send progress reports to the State’s Attorney.
Conditions of Release
If the State’s Attorney files the case with the court, the Judge may use the results of the screening in determining bail and conditions of release. Conditions may include mental health and/or substance use assessments. The Pretrial Monitor may refer participants to appropriate services, and send reminders of Court appearance dates.
Contact: John Strout
jstrout@lrcvt.org
(802) 798-2154