The New Hanover County Pretrial Release Program provides assistance to the courts in selecting and monitoring low-risk defendants who pose little danger to the community if released, while holding down the increasing jail population and related costs.
Procedures
Defendants referred by the court and all others potentially eligible for release are interviewed for the program. A file is prepared for each offender interviewed and includes crime type, prior criminal history, outstanding charges, and failure to appear notices. It can also contain personal and family information including address, employment history, medical problems, financial information regarding ability to pay bond and any other relevant data.
The assigned district attorney must consent and a judge must approve the release. Those ineligible may include those charged with DWI, a capital offense, probation violation, crimes involving the use of a weapon and other serious felonies. Detainees from other jurisdictions and escapees may also be excused from consideration.
Upon release, defendants are supervised. They must report in compliance with the conditions of their release. The court can take measures to revoke bond when necessary.
Services such as alcohol and drug treatment, mental health care, living assistance, and education programs are available depending on the individual needs of the defendant and can be required as a condition of release.
Key Benefits of the Pretrial Release Program
- Reduces jail population and helps alleviate overcrowding
- Eases the county's financial burden; New Hanover County saved $3,182,698 in jail costs during fiscal year 2005/06 after deducting costs to operate
- Produces low failure to appear rate; 4.3% in 2005/06
- Reduces recidivism by rehabilitating individuals during pretrial supervision; 1.9% rate of re-arrests in 2005/06
| Coordinators |
Phone |
| Alice Hovis, Senior Coordinator |
910-798-7558 |
| Lynda Pearsall, Coordinator |
910-798-7559 |
| Janet McConnaughay, Coordinator |
910-798-7557 |
| Michelle Taylor, Administrative Support |
910-798-7556 |