Deck 2: Pretrial Bond, Bail, and Diversion

Question 1

What is the underlying reason defendants are offered pretrial release?

A) presumed innocent
B) cost too much
C) not enough jail beds
D) none of the above

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Which of the following reasons makes pretrial release decisions important?

A) defendants who remain in jail get harsher sentences
B) defendants who remain in jail get convicted at higher rates
C) defendants who remain in jail are likely to get less time in prison
D) a & b

Answer 2

D

Question 3

What are the two key services offered by pretrial agencies?

A) fee collection and supervision
B) employment placement and assessment
C) supervision and assessment
D) housing and supervision

Answer 3

C

Question 4

__________ bond is a type of release in which the defendant puts up his or her own money to ensure appearance in court.

A) commercial
B) personal recognizance
C) money/cash
D) surety

Question 5

The Manhattan Project was designed to ensure that defendants received a fair trial.

Question 6

Prior to the Vera Institute's findings in 1964, the only way a defendant was able to be released from jail was through cash or commercial bonds.

Question 7

With the "Get Tough on Crime" era, release decisions were now concerned about failing to appear and _______ .

A) Guilt versus innocence
B) risk of harm to the community
C) Ability to pay
D) rights of the defendant

Question 8

Preventative detention is defined as "denying release to a defendant because they are considered a harm to others".

Question 9

Pretrial release can occur at which of the following decision points

A) arrest
B) jail booking
C) sentencing
D) a & b
E) all of the above

Question 10

Check all that apply. Pretrial assessments generally take into consideration the following:

A) number of prior arrests
B) seriousness of offense
C) history of appearance in court
D) gender
E) race
F) ability to pay
G) employment status
H) age

Question 11

What are the two primary ways to get out of jail on pretrial status?

A) personal recognizance and limited probable cause
B) probable cause and money bond
C) personal recognizance and money bond
D) money bond and sentencing

Question 12

The purpose of pretrial services is to help defendants with long-term needs and provide reentry services.

Question 13

Pretrial diversion programs are offered because the person is not guilty?

Question 14

Pretrial diversion are usually offered in lieu of a conviction or result in a reduced sentence?

Question 15

Why is the pretrial release decision an important component of the criminal justice system?

Question 16

Discuss the pros and cons of money bonds as a determination of pretrial release.

Question 17

How would you create a fair pretrial release system?

Question 18

Should states allow commercial bonds and why?

Question 19

What should be the purpose of pretrial release? To protect the community, ensure return to court, both, or neither?

Question 20

Should defendants be required to go to treatment while on pretrial status? What if they are not guilty?

Question 21

Should the system offer pretrial diversion programs? Who should be eligible?

Question 22

If a person commits a crime, should they be given an opportunity to avoid a conviction and why?