Pre-Trial Assessment Unit

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Montgomery County Pre-Trial assessment Unit is responsible for performing in-depth assessments on all individuals arrested in Montgomery County unable to post bond. The purpose of the assessment is to screen defendants for appropriateness of release back into the community while they await their trial. Payment of bonds for release is financially discriminatory and the assessment process combats this, allowing those who cannot afford to post a bond an opportunity to enjoy freedom from incarceration while waiting to have their charges adjudicated. This freedom also allows them to continue to work, care for family members and assist in their own defense. It also safeguards their eighth amendment right which guarantees imposition of the least restrictive bail. Aside from benefitting the defendant personally, this program allows the country to maximize its use of jail beds. Defendants who are deemed to pose no public safety threat can be safely supervised in the community, saving tax payers the cost of needless incarceration. Defendants who are released to supervision are referred to services such as mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and/or domestic violence classes. This way, defendants can address whatever issues led them to illegal behavior before going to trial.