What is the primary purpose of pretrial release programs?

The primary purpose of pretrial release programs is to ensure that defendants appear in court as required while balancing the need for public safety and managing jail populations. By allowing defendants to be released before their trial, these programs help to maintain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The emphasis is on providing a mechanism to monitor defendants and encourage compliance with court dates, such as through reminders and check-ins.

While ensuring public safety and reducing jail overcrowding may be additional benefits of pretrial release programs, the core goal revolves around the defendant's obligation to attend court proceedings. Financial assistance may assist some defendants, but it is not the main focus of these programs. Furthermore, punishing defendants before trial runs counter to the principles of due process and the legal assumption of innocence. Thus, ensuring court appearance stands out as the foremost objective of pretrial release initiatives.