Pretrial Services

About Pretrial Services

DeKalb County Pretrial Services monitors defendants who have been released from jail on felony and misdemeanor bonds. This agency provides background information to the courts and recommends release conditions that will ensure community safety as well as the defendants’ appearance in court. They also monitor defendants who have been ordered to Pretrial Services but who have not posted their bond.

How does it work?

Prior to release, DeKalb County Pretrial Services interviews jailed defendants, verifies their personal information, conducts criminal history checks, and monitors them after their release from custody. Defendants who are ordered to DeKalb County Pretrial Services may be released on their own recognizance or may be required to post a bond. Defendants must report on a regularly scheduled basis to the DeKalb County Pretrial Services office in person, as specified by the judge, and will generally be assigned bond conditions that are unique to them and their charge(s). Defendants who violate the conditions of their bond are at risk of having their bond revoked.

Referral Sources

Daily Jail List

Pretrial generates and reviews a daily list of inmates arrested the previous day. If the inmate pre-qualifies based on the charge and previous criminal history, a Pretrial investigator will conduct an interview at the DeKalb County Jail.

Judge Referral

The judge presiding over the First Appearance hearing, and in some instances, the criminal case of a defendant, may refer that individual to Pretrial Services.

Public Defender

If a defendant has been assigned a public defender, the public defender may make the recommendation to Pretrial Services.

Family and Friends

Family or friends of the defendant may contact DeKalb County Pretrial Services directly if they want to have someone evaluated for Pretrial release recommendation.

Inmates

Inmates may submit an inmate request form asking to be interviewed for conditional release. Once interviewed, Pretrial Services conducts an investigation to determine family and community ties, criminal background, and flight risk. Background information is provided to the judges for determination of release and bond conditions.

DeKalb Pretrial Services also assists in monitoring a caseload for the Misdemeanor Mental Health Court (MMHC) as well as two Solicitor’s Office Diversion Programs: Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) and the Phoenix and Goals Program.

Location/Contact Information

DeKalb Pretrial Services
Supervisor, Braddye Smith

DeKalb County Courthouse
Room 120, 1st Floor
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030

Phone: 404-371-3025

Fax: 404-371-3206

Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday