Program Information
Alameda Superior Court Pretrial Services employs an automated risk assessment system to help inform fair and consistent decisions about pretrial release.
Stages of the Pretrial Process
Learn more about each stage of the pretrial process below, from risk assessment through release and ongoing case management.
This system uses the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) which is a nationally recognized, evidence-based tool designed to evaluate the likelihood that a person will return to court and remain arrest-free while awaiting trial. The PSA relies solely on administrative data from existing databases and does not require a personal interview. This ensures a more objective, consistent, and efficient process.
With this automation, Pretrial Services is able to complete risk assessments and comprehensive Pretrial Reports within 10 minutes or less of booking for all individuals arrested on new charges and arrest warrants. These reports ensure that information is presented consistently and accurately and help the Court make timely, informed decisions about pretrial release.
Our pre-arraignment release process reduces unnecessary time in custody for individuals who pose a low risk to public safety. This process helps ensure that individuals facing nonviolent charges are not held in custody longer than necessary while still preserving judicial oversight and public safety protections.
Rather than waiting in custody for the standard arraignment timeline, eligible individuals are reviewed by a judicial officer on a 24/7 basis. If a release order is issued, the individual is typically released within 24 hours or less of booking.
Individuals may be reviewed for pre-arraignment release if they have not been arrested for any offense listed under Penal Code § 1270.1.
Individuals can also be released prior to arraignment if they are released on a jail citation or post bail.
Individuals who are not released pre-arraignment have their Pretrial Report and risk assessment results reviewed by a Judicial Officer at arraignment. When releasing individuals at arraignment or subsequent hearings, judges can choose to set bail, release them on their own recognizance with or without conditions, and/or refer them to Pretrial Services.
Pretrial Services tailors its level of intervention to each individual's identified needs and risk factors. This ensures that resources are directed where they are most effective to support successful court appearances and community safety while avoiding unnecessary restrictions for those who don't require them.
Service and Resource Center Connections (Low-Risk)
Individuals assessed as low-risk are connected to community-based services and resources, such as housing assistance, employment support, and behavioral health referrals, that address underlying needs without requiring ongoing case management. Low-risk individuals can access all services through the Resource Centers, can be referred to supportive service providers at no cost, and receive court date reminders and transportation assistance.
Case Management Services (Moderate- and High-Risk)
Under the Pretrial Expansion Program, individuals assessed as moderate- or high-risk receive dedicated case management immediately after they are released from custody. Case management services are provided by Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), a nonprofit organization with a long history of providing essential services to those in need.
Program participants receive a range of individualized services including housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment, public benefit assistance, and transportation assistance. High-needs individuals can also be transported directly to housing and treatment programs from Santa Rita Jail. Throughout the duration of an individual’s pending case, Pretrial Case Managers work directly with the individual to coordinate services, monitor progress, and provide the support and resources needed to reduce risk, avoid rearrests, and promote court appearances and compliance with court orders.
Pretrial Supervision and Monitoring (High-Risk)
As an alternative to pretrial incarceration, individuals who are facing serious/violent felony charges and/or are assessed as high-risk can be referred by the Court to Pretrial Monitoring through the Alameda County Probation Department. Individuals are monitored by a Probation Officer to ensure they are complying with court-ordered release conditions and appearing for scheduled court hearings. Services can also include GPS monitoring, alcohol monitoring, and referrals to community-based providers for housing, treatment, and programming.