The purpose of Pretrial Services is to assist Judicial Officers in discharging their duties. Such programs are intended to provide better information and services for use by Judicial Officers. The information helps in determining the risk to public safety and the assurance of appearance of persons age 18 or over or persons under the age of 18 who have been transferred for trial as adults held in custody and charged with an offense, other than an offense punishable by death, who are pending trial or hearing.
What do I need to bring to my first visit, my intake appointment?
At your intake, you will be asked to provide residence verification, employment verification and medical information. Please bring a recently received piece of mail with your name and address on it or your lease as your residence verification. If you are working, bring either a pay stub, employer's ID or a letter from your supervisor for employment verification. If you are taking any prescription medications, please bring all of them to your intake appointment.
What are the goals of Pretrial Services?
The goals are to assist Judicial Officers in making bail release decisions or in reviewing and amending the conditions of release on bail at subsequent hearings. In addition, Pretrial Services provide supervision of defendants placed in the custody of the program and assure compliance with the conditions of release imposed by Judicial Officers.
What is Pretrial Supervision?
If the Judicial Officer adds pretrial supervision to the bail, the Defendant must be supervised by ODCS Pretrial Services Agency. Supervision includes: assessment of risk, if not previously completed; the intake process; in-person office visits; if court ordered, drug and alcohol testings; and other ordered obligations. In addition, the Pretrial Officer attempts to connect the defendants with any needed resources, such as substance abuse treatment, mental health providers, job resources, etc. The Pretrial Officer may engage the defendant in structured conversations to increase court appearance and mitigate risk.
Who is eligible for referral to ODCS Probation?
Eligibility is in accordance with Virginia Code 19.2-303.3 and includes: Offenders 18 years old, or considered an adult at the time of conviction, of a misdemeanor or a non-violent felony for which the court may impose a jail sentence.
How are clients placed on local probation supervision and referred to ODCS?
Individuals are placed on local probation supervision and referred to ODCS by Judges in the General District, Juvenile Domestic Relations District, and Circuit Courts in the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren; and the City of Winchester as a sentencing option, and an alternative to incarceration.
What did the Court mean by "good behavior"?
Good behavior, when ordered by the court, means that you will keep the peace and not violate municipal, county, state, or federal laws or ordinances.
What is the inclement weather policy?
ODCS strives to do the right thing for our community and our clients. This means that we must sometimes strike a balance between convenience and safety. If Frederick County Government offices are closed, our offices are closed. However, some of our staff may have reported and may still be open for individual appointments. Please contact your officer directly for more information.
What is expected of me if I am referred for community service?
Court ordered community service may include supervised probation, or it may not. It is important that if you signed a "Local Probation Referral" you have obligations to Old Dominion Court Services – Local Probation. You must report within 5 business days of your court date. Regardless if you are on supervised probation, if your community service is being facilitated by ODCS, you will complete an intake, be drug tested at your expense, and your criminal background will be reviewed. Failure to comply will result in the courts being notified.
What is expected of me if I am referred for substance abuse services?
ODCS helps clients connect with the right level of services. If you are court ordered to undergo substance abuse screening or assessment, your probation officer will begin the process with you. Sometimes your officer can complete the process, and you will need no further services. Other times, (based on the assessment tools we use), you may need to meet with others. Regardless of the type or level of services you are involved in, you will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
How do I volunteer or intern at ODCS?
ODCS welcomes volunteers and interns in our probation/pretrial departments. Your status and qualifications will guide us to what types of duties you might be eligible to participate in; keep in mind that any criminal history might preclude you from working with us. If interested, please contact the the Community Corrections Chief. (see our "Contact Us" ).
How do I become a Probation/Pretrial Officer?
Our Officers are Frederick County Employees. Any position vacancies (including administrative support positions) as well as minimum requirements can be found at the Frederick County Human Resources page.
