Virginia's law on pretrial services agencies aims to enhance public safety by providing judicial officers with better information to assess risks and ensure defendants' court appearances. The law authorizes cities and counties to establish these agencies, especially for defendants pending trial who are not charged with the most serious offenses. It also outlines the purpose and scope of these agencies to support the criminal justice process.
Pretrial services agencies in Virginia assist courts by providing information to assess defendant risk and ensure court appearances, thereby enhancing public safety.
Yes, any city, county, or combination of jurisdictions in Virginia may establish a pretrial services agency.
No, they primarily serve defendants pending trial who are not charged with the most serious offenses, such as certain Class 1 felonies.
The previous section was repealed in 2005, but the current law establishing and outlining the purpose of pretrial services agencies remains in effect.