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Criminal Justice Reforms
Criminal Justice Reforms

Pretrial Programs and Services

Misdemeanor Diversion Program 

In 2017, the Office of Pretrial Services and the District Attorney’s Office implemented a misdemeanor diversion program under the Santa Clara County Community Accountability Program. The goals and purposes of the Santa Clara County Community Accountability Program are to: 

  • Reduce County costs for court proceedings and incarceration.
  • Ensure accountability by imposing, where appropriate, requirements for community service.
  • Reduce recidivism by providing a Cognitive Behavior Theory class.
  • Allow first-time offenders to avoid collateral consequences.

To be successful, the client must do community service, attend a Cognitive Behavior Theory class, pay restitution (if necessary), and must remain crime free for four months.  If a person successfully completes the program, charges will not be filed. Some of the qualifying misdemeanor offenses include: petty theft, vandalism, trespassing, receiving stolen property, littering, and shoplifting.

Supervised Own Recognizance Release

The Pretrial Services Officers will monitor individuals who are released on Supervised O.R. Program release with specific court ordered conditions and will monitor compliance during the adjudication process.   Pretrial Services Officers refer clients to appropriate services within the community (i.e., substance abuse treatment or domestic violence counseling) for the purpose of intervention that will assist the individual in successfully completing the period of pretrial supervision. Performance reports are provided to the judges on an as needed basis or if requested by the Court. The court will then determine appropriate sanctions and/or custody status.

Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP)

Pretrial Services can provide a higher level of supervision for individuals with Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) as a condition of release as ordered by the court.  The EMP program has several facets that include GPS-Home Detention, GPS Only, and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring.