Own Recognizance

The program provides impartial investigations for the court of requests from people who are in custody to be released on their Own Recognizance (OR) or to participate in Alternative to Custody Program. Adults age 18 and older who are in custody in any jail facility in Los Angeles County who have had a criminal complaint filed against them and who wish to be released without posting bail or bond pending their next court hearing may qualify. Pretrial release services are not usually available for people who are fugitives; who are not in custody; or who are arrested on federal charges, bail warrants, out of county warrants, misdemeanors, violations of probation, or parole holds. However, the court can overrule these exceptions.

People may be considered for pretrial releases at arrest, at arraignment or after the arraignment hearing. Program investigators interview applicants in person, verify information about their background and current situation, may talk with other involved agencies, and submit a report and recommendation to the court.

The Bail Deviation (BD) Program is available to most adults booked for a felony or misdemeanor in any jail facility in Los Angeles County. Bail Deviation conducts a telephone interview with the inmate and verifies the information received. A complete criminal history is compiled and police agency comments are obtained. This information is provided to an on-duty bench officer to assist them in making decisions regarding an own recognizance release or a bail reduction prior to any formal charges being filed.

The Own Recognizance (OR) Program provides pretrial investigations to the Superior Courts handling felony criminal cases in Los Angeles County. Defendants are interviewed, information verified, a complete criminal history is compiled, police agency comments obtained and an investigative with a report recommendation of either favorable or unfavorable for a release is given to the court.

The Electronic Monitoring Program is available to Los Angeles Country courts as an alternative to custody and is a partnership between the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and Probation. Defendants can be referred on a misdemeanor or felony case either prior to conviction as a pretrial release or after conviction as a sentencing option. Pretrial Services (PTS) interviews the defendant and submits an assessment of eligibility/suitability to the court. If EM is ordered by the court, the defendant must meet specific conditions.

The Drug Court Program is available to defendants deemed nonviolent who were arrested for specific felony drug charges. Defendants are interviewed, information verified, a complete criminal history is compiled and an assessment of eligibility is completed. The court places the eligible defendant in supervised treatment and rehabilitation. The Drug Court Program relies on the court to closely monitor the defendant's participation. Defendants who successfully complete the program have their drug case dismissed.

In the Early Disposition Program, the District Attorney and Public Defender screen defendants at arraignment for a possible early disposition on their criminal case, and defendants who agree to participate, can then shorten the criminal justice process. In this program for Department 50, PTS employees provide comprehensive criminal histories and risk evaluations for the court's consideration.

The State of California requires all applicants wishing to petition the the Superior Court to legally change their name be screened for eligibility. Civil Name Change Petition Program, Pretrial Services provides Superior Court with any criminal activity committed by the applicant.