Pretrial Release Program

Pretrial release means a person can stay in the community while their criminal case is open, as long as they follow conditions set by the Judge. These conditions are given in the form of a conditional release agreement.
  

The goal of an RAO is to provide critical information to all parties of the case, judge and attorneys, about an individual to ensure a fair release decision. We also monitor those assigned to pretrial release and verify all conditions are being followed. 
  

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

• Attending all court hearings for your case.
  
• Not leaving the state without permission.
  
• Avoiding contact with certain people or places.
• Checking in with Pretrial Services on a schedule (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• No drugs, alcohol, or possession of weapons.

Pretrial monitoring ends when the criminal case is over - whether the individual is found guilty, not guilty, placed on diversion or their case is dismissed.
  

• 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.

If you want the court to appoint an attorney for you, you must apply and meet the eligibility requirements. Often times you will not apply for an attorney until your initial appearance or your first court date. At that time court staff will go over an application for a court appointed attorney with youo. If you have questions before that date regarding this, you can call 458-278-3553.
  

After you give your cell phone number to a Release Assistance Officer, 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've signed up, you'll get text reminders when: 

• A hearing is scheduled of cancelled.
• You have an upcoming check-in.

How do I check-in with the Release Assistance Officers?

You must be in person for your first check-in. At that time you will be given instructions for future check-ins and set up for text reminders.

Call your RAO at 458-278-3553 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 458-278-3553 as soon as you are ordered to by a judge on a conditional release agreement. 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 conditional 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 (by calling in) on that day.

Follow these tips to stay in compliance:
 

• 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 attorney.
• Follow your release agreement. Read your release agreement carefully and ask questions if you don't understand something in it.
• Keep your contact information up to date. You can update your contact information when you check in with pretrial services.
• Stay in touch with your RAO. Check in with your Release Assistance Officer when required and always respond to calls or messages.
  
• Stay in the state unless you have permission. Leaving Oregon 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. Excluding legal advice, your RAO may be able to assist in questions regarding appearances, case status, and reporting instructions.
  

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

Release Assistance Officers will report violations of your release agreement to the court, the district attorney, and your attorney as a non-compliance letter. 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, its best to talk with 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 attorney immediately.

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

I'm not a defendant. Who should I contact with concerns? 

Call the Linn County Sheriffs Office at 541-967-3950 to report concerns of crimes or violations of release agreements. Release Assistance Officers cannot take information from third parties.