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Elements of an effective pretrial system

1. Pretrial release and detention decisions based on risk and designed to maximize release, court appearance, and public safety
2. Legal framework that includes: presumption of least restrictive nonfinancial release; restrictions or prohibition on the use of secured financial conditions of release; and detention for a limited and clearly defined type of defendant
3. Release options following or in lieu of arrest
4. Defendants eligible by statute for pretrial release are considered for release, with no locally-imposed exclusions not permitted by statute
5. Experienced prosecutors screen criminal cases before first appearance
6. Defense counsel active at first appearance
7. Collaborative group of stakeholders that employs evidence-based decision-making to ensure a high functioning system
8. Dedicated pretrial services agency

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