Pretrial Release Program
Downtown Office - Pretrial Assessment Unit
2135 Fresno Street, Suite 101
Fresno, CA. 93721 map
(559) 600-9920
Airport Office - Pretrial Monitoring Unit
2171 N. Fine Ave.,
Fresno CA. 93727 map
(559) 600-7399
The purpose of the Fresno County Probation Department Pretrial Release (PTR) Program, in accordance with evidence-based practices is to promote due process to those accused of crime(s), to assist the Fresno Superior Court in making fair, prompt and effective release decisions at the Arraignment Hearing, maintain the integrity of the judicial process by securing offenders for trial, protect victims and witnesses and provide community safety.
Pretrial Services completes a pretrial risk assessment/report utilizing a validated pretrial risk assessment tool to identify those offenders who pose a low risk to public safety, are likely to appear for their Court date, and therefore, can be released into the community pending resolution of their Court case(s). After offenders are assessed and their risk level is determined, the Fresno Superior Court is provided with practical and enforceable terms and conditions of pretrial release, suitable for offenders whose risk and criminogenic needs vary widely. The Court will then decide whether the offender is suitable for Pretrial Release (PTR).
Offenders granted Pretrial Release (PTR) will be eligible for probation resources and services to include but not limited to; substance abuse counseling, mental health services, Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP), individual counseling, anger management, job readiness, and transitional housing. In addition, the Pretrial Services will utilize global positioning system monitoring (GPS), when appropriate, to monitor compliance of terms of pretrial release, ensure future court appearances, and victim and community safety.
Pretrial Dashboard
Pretrial Risk Assessment Tool Validation(PDF, 3MB)
Public Safety Assessment (PSA) Infographic(PDF, 184KB)
Pretrial Services Brochure(PDF, 307KB)
FAQs
What happens if a defendant on Pretrial Release (PTR) fails to appear in Court?
A bench warrant may be issued for the defendant’s arrest and the defendant could receive a new charge for failing to appear. The defendant should contact their attorney and their supervising pretrial officer for further instructions.
Can a defendant on Pretrial Release (PTR) be returned to jail if they fail to comply with their terms and conditions of release?
Yes, however, it is important to stay in contact with your assigned Probation Officer to avoid this.
How long can a defendant be on Pretrial Release (PTR)?
This depends on the Court and the Case
Does every defendant on Pretrial Release (PTR) get placed on GPS?
No. This is at the order of the Court or discretion of Probation.
What is the purpose of a pretrial risk assessment tool?
To identify those offenders who pose a low risk to public safety, are likely to appear for their Court date, and therefore, can be released into the community pending resolution of their Court case(s).
What happens after a pretrial risk assessment is completed?
After offenders are assessed and their risk level is determined, the Court is provided with practical and enforceable terms and conditions of pretrial release, suitable for offenders whose risk and criminogenic needs vary widely. The Court will then decide whether the offender is suitable for pretrial release.
Who is eligible for a pretrial risk assessment?
All bookings at the Fresno County Jail will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Anyone referred by the Court will also be assessed.
What does a defendant do after being released on Pretrial Release (PTR)?
The defendant must report to the Pretrial Office the next business day unless ordered by the Court to report another day.
What happens if a defendant fails to contact or report to the Pretrial Services Office?
A bench warrant may be issued for the defendant’s arrest.
Is there a cost to participate in the Pretrial Release (PTR) Program and GPS?
When does a defendant terminate Pretrial Release (PTR)?
When the defendant’s case has been resolved and/or the Court terminates PTR.
Where to I report when I am released from jail on Pretrial Release (PTR)?
To either the Downtown Office or the Airport Office. Once assigned an officer, you will report to the office they are located at.
Does a defendant have to be in custody to be eligible for Pretrial Release (PTR)?
No. A defendant can be referred by the Court while out of custody.