LIBERTY AND JUSTICE PRETRIAL PRACTICES IN TEXAS

other things, be made available to all Texas counties. 54 Non-profit advocacy groups like the Pretrial Justice
Institute and the National Center or State Courts offer technical assistance with bail reform.
Just as respondents identified key elements of reform, they also assessed a series of potential challenges to
changing pretrial practice. A majority of respondents believe the greatest barrier will be insufficient funding for
integrating risk assessment and personal bond supervision into routine criminal case processes. Most also
worried that any funds provided may not be sufficient to cover the full costs of implementation.
Political constraints were mentioned as well by some participants. Arranging support from key local
stakeholders and circumventing bond company influence were a concern for a moderate number of
respondents. Worries about the logistical aspects of pretrial reforms were few. Defendant eligibility criteria,
location of supervision offices, and data tracking systems were generally perceived as surmountable challenges,
mentioned by approximately a quarter of respondents.
Summary
Pretrial professionals and judges generally support expanding pretrial risk assessment tools and supervision.
Without more robust decision-making resources available, some judges have come to rely on bail schedules, the
opinions of prosecutors and other local stakeholders, or their own intuition when deciding bond. However, they
are optimistic that reform is feasible and that judges should take the lead. Jurisdictions prioritize supports
including training for judges and county officials, funding for staff and services, and procedural changes to
ensure prompt contact with defendants. The greatest concerns centered on adequacy of resources.
54
Supra note 5.
51