Understanding Travis County Pretrial Services

Bail provides security for required court appearances. A bond is the undertaking used to secure release and can take different forms, including a cash deposit, a surety bond or a personal bond. The distinction is not simply whether the defendant or someone else supplies the money. A person who is released must follow the conditions ordered by the court.

Release before trial can allow someone to continue working, caring for family and pursuing education. When the court lacks reliable information about the person’s situation, it may be harder to evaluate a suitable release arrangement.

Pretrial Services gathers information about a defendant’s home life, education, employment and community connections. This gives the court a fuller basis for considering the risk of missed court appearances and possible danger to others.

Officers check the information provided, including residence, employment and personal references. Their work can continue after the bond decision: they monitor court-ordered requirements, which may involve drug testing or an alcohol-monitoring device.

Pretrial supervision concerns release while a case is pending; it is different from probation after a case is resolved. Officers report compliance problems to the court. A judge may change the release conditions or revoke the bond when a violation warrants that response.

If Pretrial Services supervises your release, follow the conditions in your bond order, keep your appointments and stay in contact with your attorney about any questions or difficulties.