Frequently Asked Questions

criminal justice services | Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any costs for the pretrial program?
No. All services provided through the Douglas County pretrial release program are at no cost to the defendant, including electronic monitoring. Read Full Answer
Can a person work while on Electronic Monitoring or House Arrest?
Yes. As long as it is permitted by the courts, a program participant can maintain full employment. Read Full Answer
Do I have to post a cash bond to be released on the pretrial program?
No, however, judges have discretion to order a cash or surety bond be posted as a condition of any pretrial release. Read Full Answer
I am required by the Court to serve jail time. I have been approved for house arrest, but do not have the money to pay a private company. Is there anything pretrial services can do for me?
Yes. Douglas County offers a house arrest and electronic monitoring program. The program provides electronic monitoring at no cost to Douglas County residents, or as approved by the court. For more information on the house arrest program or to set up services, contact House Arrest at (785) 838-2478. Read Full Answer
I have a family member who is eligible for the pretrial release program, but still has a monetary bond requirement that we cannot afford. Why is that and how can we get our family member assessed by the program?
Bond and pretrial release are at the discretion of the Court.  There are many reasons as to why a judge may choose to require that a cash or surety bond be posted for release.  Since each case is unique, it is best to contact the defense counsel handling the case for more information. Read Full Answer
If someone has been arrested and placed in jail, what is the process for setting a bond?
Once charges have been filed by the District Attorney, defendants appear in court so a judge can determine whether the person needs to stay in jail, be released on bond or be placed on pretrial release supervision. These court appearances are held at 3 p.m. weekdays with the exception of federal holidays. Release options: Own Recognizance Bond – released without posting money and by signing a promise to appear.  Cash Only Bond – released by posting the entire bond amount in cash. Read Full Answer
What equipment does the House Arrest program have to offer?
GPS: Monitors client's movements in real time. The LOC8 provides program participants with an extra battery pack allowing more flexibility when recharging the GPS unit. ExacuTrack1 is a unit that requires it be plugged into an electrical outlet.Remote Breathalyzer: Monitors the client's usage of alcohol through real time breathalyzer tests. This portable device goes wherever they go.  Read Full Answer
What is the pretrial release program?
The program provides an alternative to incarceration for eligible defendants. Defendants are assessed to determine their risk of re-offending and the likelihood of returning to court. Judges decide who gets in the program and what level of supervision is required. Read Full Answer
Who can be on Electronic Monitoring or House Arrest?
An adult or juvenile with a Douglas County District Court criminal case who has been court ordered to the house arrest program, or when house arrest is ordered in municipal court in Lawrence, Baldwin or Eudora (in Douglas County) and the municipality has agreed to reimburse the County for the cost of electronic monitoring. Read Full Answer
Who is eligible for the Douglas County pretrial release program?
All defendants in pretrial status are eligible for the pretrial release program, however, a person may not initially qualify if they have one of the following; a probation violation warrant, parole hold, other city/county or state detainer, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Marshal Detainer or a failure to appear warrant. Read Full Answer
Why Electronic Monitoring or House Arrest?
Electronic Monitoring and House Arrest are designed to provide the courts with supervision alternatives in lieu of placement in the detention center. Read Full Answer