Pretrial Services

MISSION

To promote public safety, court appearance, and pretrial justice.

GOALS

Minimize Unnecessary Pretrial Detention
Maximize Appearance in Courts
Maximize Community Safety through Effective Pretrial Supervision
Uphold the Presumption of Innocence through the Fair and Equitable Treatment of All Defendants
Provide Accurate Assessments of Pretrial Defendants Using Evidence-Based Tools
Assist Judges in the Pretrial Release Decision-Making Process
Assist Defendants toward Successful Completion of Pretrial Release

VISION

To Promote Equity and the Fair Administration of Justice in Release Decisions Made by the Court.

What We Do

The court’s Pretrial Services (PTS) Program screens defendants for consideration by the court for release prior to trial. PTS interviews and investigates all defendants arrested in Monroe County and makes recommendations to the judiciary regarding release at all first appearances and bond reduction hearings. The program also supervises defendants who have pretrial release conditions imposed by the court. The defendant is required to comply with these conditions of the court, which are designed to ensure the defendant’s appearance at court hearings and maximize the safety of the community. Such conditions include reporting to the program by phone or in person, submitting to drug testing, prohibiting contact with victims, etc. PTS also informs the Court of any non-compliance issues with conditions of release. In some cases the privilege of Pretrial Release may be revoked at the discretion of the Judge. However the aim for all Pretrial Defendants is Successful Program completion. The aim of 16th Judicial Circuit’s Pretrial Officers is to effectively guide you through your time on Pretrial Release. While we do not provide legal advice, our team will provide information, resources, direction, and encouragement to facilitate your success.

Your Responsibilities

Contact Pretrial Services at 305-295-3900 and review the terms of your release with your Pretrial Officer
Comply with all court ordered conditions of release and ask if not understood.
Appear in Court for All Hearings unless you have signed a “Waiver of Appearance” provided by your attorney
Comply with all court ordered conditions of release
Report weekly by phone on your scheduled day by calling 1-786-292-1406
Submit to all court-ordered random drug and/or alcohol tests if this is a condition of your release- Do not show up late and know the time and location where you test.
Check for text message and email notifications of random tests and other important reminders; it is your responsibility to receive these communications
Maintain regular contact with your attorney and seek legal counsel regarding your case
Inform your Pretrial Officers of any changes to your address, phone number, and email. This contact information must be current at all times- no exceptions.

Click HERE for information on random urinalysis testing in the Florida Keys

Click HERE for information on random urinalysis testing outside of Monroe County