An informed, reasonable, and impartial response during the pretrial process can resonate throughout the system. Pretrial standards provide guidance and promote uniformity in the management of individuals consistent with the law, while working towards a reduction in pretrial detention.

Policymakers and practitioners concerned about criminal justice issues have realized the importance of sound “front-end” decision-making. This Fourth Edition, Pretrial Services Standards 2020 points the way to improved policy and practice in this crucial area.

The National Pretrial Release Standards sets forth general best practices for agencies across the country. They closely mirror the NYAPSA standards in many ways with differences that account for local policy.

These Standards from the American Bar Association (ABA) limit the circumstances under which pretrial detention may be authorized and provide procedural safeguards to govern pretrial detention proceedings.