Virginia Pretrial Research Study

Legal and Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Pretrial Research Study

Luminosity, Inc., in partnership with CJI, worked with the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services in 2009-2010 to conduct legal and evidence-based practices (EBP) pretrial research and develop policy recommendations related to risk assessment, bail/release recommendation guidelines, and case classification guidelines.

Using Virginia-specific data, the goal of the research was to explore the relationship between bail conditions and pretrial misconduct, bond types and amounts and pretrial misconduct, and the effectiveness of bonds, all while taking into account risk levels and risk factors. Recommendation guidelines were then developed based on the original research while also considering the existing national literature research. In addition, a review of statutes, case law, and other legal resources was conducted to analyze the legality of setting conditions of bail that include pretrial treatment, explore potential legal challenges to these practices, and assess the legality of such practices.

The research-based policy recommendations resulting from the study advanced Virginia Pretrial Services Agencies in their pursuit of effective pretrial practices consistent with the legal foundation of pretrial services. In addition to having a tremendous impact on local Pretrial Services Agencies in Virginia, the findings of this initiative will also make a significant contribution the pretrial field nationally.

Read the reports:

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