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Pretrial Services

 About Pretrial Services

Pretrial Services (PTS) helps the court decide if a defendant in a criminal case should be released before trial and under what conditions.  We also give limited support while the case is pending.  We are part of the Oregon Judicial Department (the court) - not the District Attorney's Office or Probation Department.  

If you are a defendant and released with conditions while your case is pending, the judge may require you to report to us until your case is resolved. 

Learn more about how we can help below.

 Our Mission

We provide clear information to help the court make fair decisions, reduce unnecessary jail time, and keep the community safe.

 Our Vision

We believe in a pretrial system where:

  • Everyone is treated with dignity.
  • Everyone has a lawyer and a hearing before any release decision is made. 
  • The community offers services to help people succeed.
  • People are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
  • Release decisions are based on safety, not money.

 Services We Provide

We can help you with: 

  • Court Reminders
  • Text alerts for upcoming court dates. 
  • Finding Community Resources
  • Information about local help like housing, food, transportation, and employment.
  • Limited Release Support
  • Basic information about your release conditions, checking the status of your case, or help applying for a court-appointed attorney or connecting you with the Oregon State Bar.

 Important to Know

We cannot give legal advice and do not help with your case. Do not share case details with us. What you share with us is not confidential and may be shared with the court, district attorney, or your lawyer. 

 Contact Us

Office Hours:  Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed weekends, and holidays)

 Phone: 503-986-6404
  Email: COL.RAO@ojd.state.or.us

 Visit us: 
Columbia County Circuit Court
Trial Court Administrator's Office
230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is pretrial release?

​It means a person can stay in the community while their criminal case is open, as long as they follow the rules set by the judge.  These rules are called a release agreement.

What is a Release Assistance Officer (RAO) and what do they do?​​​

RAOs help make sure people on pretrial release follow their release agreement. They report to the court if the release agreement isn't followed, and this could lead to the person's release being revoked.​

What is a release agreement?​​​

A release agreement is a set of rules you must follow if you are released before your trial.  These rules are decided by the judge and may include things like:

  • ​Coming to all court hearings
  • Not leaving the state without permission
  • Avoiding contact with certain people
  • Checking in with Pretrial Services on a schedule (daily, weekly, monthly)
If you do not follow your release agreement, the court may revoke your release and you could go to jail until your case resolves. 

​​​​When does pretrial monitoring end?

​When the criminal case is over - whether the individual is found guilty, not guilty, placed on diversion or their case is dismissed.

​How i​s Pretrial Services different from Probation or Parole?

  • ​ Pretrial Services provides limited support while a case is still open.
  • Probation happens after sentencing, instead of jail or prison. 
  • Parole ​happens when an individual is released from prison early, with supervision.
Also, Pretrial Services cannot punish defendants - we only report violations.  The court decides what happens. 

​​How do I apply for a court-appointed attorney? 

​If you want the court to appoint an attorney for you, you must apply and meet the eligibilty requirements.  For details, visit the ​Criminal Cases webpage​ and look under "Court-Appointed Attorneys".

​​How do I get text reminders for court dates and check-ins? 

​After you give your cell phone number to your RAO, you should receive an invite within one day.  The invite will come as a text message asking you to agree to the service.  

Once you're signed up, you'll get text reminders when:

  • A hearing is scheduled or canceled
  • You have an upcoming check-in

If you change your phone number and report it to your RAO, you'll get a new invite for the updated number. 

Not getting reminders or not sure if you're signed up?  Call 503-986-6404 to confim.   

How do I check in with the Release Assistance Officer (RAO)?

You can check in by phone or in person.  If you don't have a phone, can't access one, or phone check-ins arent working, you may be required to check-in in person.

Important: You must check in yourself - no one else can do it for you.  Email check-ins are only allowed if a judge approves it.

What do I do if I missed a check-in?

Call your RAO (503-986-6404) as soon as possible.  

​​What happens if I'm ordered to report to Pretrial Services?

​You'll need to report to Pretrial Services either in person or by calling 503-986-6404 as soon as the judge says.  Your RAO will tell you how often you need to check in - this could be monthly, weekly, or more often.  Most check-ins are quick and confirm your contact info.  

Tip: Check your release agreement if you aren't sure if you are supposed to report.  

​Do I need to complete my check-in even if it's on the weekend, after hours, or a holiday?

​​​​Yes, if your RAO says to check in on a specific day you should make every effort to report on that day. 

Follow these tips to stay in compliance and avoid going back to jail:
  • ​ Go to all court hearings.  Missing court can lead to a warrant and your release being revoked.  If you aren't sure you need to attend, ask your lawyer. 
  • Follow your release agreement.  Read it carefully and ask questions if you don't understand something. 
  • Keep your contact information up to date. ​You can update it when you check in with pretrial services. 
  • ​Stay in touch with your RAO.  Check in when required and respond to calls or messages. 
  • Stay in the state unless you have permission. Leaving without approval can violate your agreement. 
  • Avoid new charges.  Getting arrested for a new crime could end in your release being revoked. 
  • ​ Ask for help if you need it.  Pretrial Services can connect you to housing, transportation, or other resources. 

​​​​Why this matters:

If you check in as required and follow your release agreement, your RAO may reduce how often you need to check in.  If you miss check-ins or break the rules, your RAO may increase check-ins - or the court could revoke your release. 

What happens if I don't follow my release agreement?

We report it to the court, the district attorney, and your lawyer.  This could lead to:

  • Stricter release conditions
  • Revoking your release
  • Being taken back into custody

Who do I contact about my release conditions or a possible violation?

Your Release Assistance Officer (RAO) can tell you what your release conditions are - exactly what the judge ordered. 

If you're unsure what those conditions mean in a specific situation, or you need help understanding how they apply to you, it's best to talk to your attorney.   They can give you legal advice and help you avoid violations. 

If you think you may have violated a release condition you should reach out to your lawyer.

Reminder: Anything you tell your RAO is not confidential.  It may be shared with the court, the district attorney, or your lawyer. 

I'm not the defendant. Who do I contact with concerns?

Call the Columbia County District Attorney's Office at 503-397-0300.  Release Assistance Officers cannot take information from third parties.