Pretrial Release Program
Downtown Office - Pretrial Assessment Unit
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2135 Fresno Street, Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93721 map
(559) 600-9920
Airport Office - Pretrial Monitoring Unit
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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 assist judicial officers in identifying persons 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). The Court will then decide whether the person is suitable for Pretrial Release.
Persons granted Pretrial Release may be referred to probation resources and services at no cost (see Programming & Services tab below).
Pretrial Dashboard
Pretrial Risk Assessment Tool Validation(PDF, 3MB)
Public Safety Assessment (PSA) Infographic(PDF, 184KB)
Pretrial Services Brochure(PDF, 307KB)
FAQs and Programming & Services
Programming & Services
Probation provides no-cost community-based and contracted services to persons being monitored, including but not limited to:
- Day Reporting Center (DRC) – Provides a high degree of support for behavior change and the development of positive social attitudes to successfully reintegrate into the community
- Substance use disorder / co-occurring mental health services – assessment, outpatient, detox, and in-patient treatment
- Full-Service Partnership (FSP) for persons with mental health issues including therapy, medication facilitation, and housing
- Targeted cognitive behavior change classes:
- Thinking for a Change (T4C)
- Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART)
- Parenting program
- Transitional housing services for homeless persons
- Building trade and certification cohorts for job skill enhancement and job placement
- Re-entry employment readiness and job placement services
- Global Positioning Monitoring (GPS)/SoberTrack
FAQ
- Where is Pretrial Services located?
There are two locations:
Downtown Office - Pretrial Assessment Unit: 2135 Fresno Street, Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93721
Airport Office - Pretrial Monitoring Unit: 2171 N. Fine Ave., Fresno CA, 93727
- What happens if a defendant on Pretrial Release 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 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.
- Does every defendant on Pretrial Release 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 defendants 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).
- 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?
The defendant must report to the Pretrial Office the next business day unless ordered by the Court to report another day.
- What does a defendant do after being released on Pretrial Release?
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 Program and GPS?
No.
- When does a defendant terminate Pretrial Release?
When the defendant’s case has been resolved and/or the Court terminates PTR.
- Does a defendant have to be in custody to be eligible for Pretrial Release?
No. A defendant can be referred by the Court while out of custody.