Technical Violations and Their Effects on Pretrial/Bond Supervision Outcomes

The use of pretrial and bond supervision commonly referred to as supervised release has increased over the last several decades due to burgeoning jail and prison populations. Much research has been conducted on these release mechanisms but has yet to examine the effects of types of technical violations on pretrial failure. The current study examined the effects of technical violations committed by individuals under a felony “bond” supervision program, which included both pretrial releasees and individuals being supervised on bond awaiting a probation revocation hearing, in a large metropolitan area. The results demonstrate while technical violations are associated with pretrial failure, the effects vary by violation type. Furthermore, the findings illustrate differences in risk factors for technical violations while on pretrial/bond supervision. Relevant policy implications of the research are provided.