Data Shows Success of Yolo Superior Court’s Pretrial Services Program
In Yolo County:
- More than 95% of monitored individuals appeared for their arraignment hearing
- More than 90% of monitored individuals appeared at a subsequent court hearing
- Less than 3% of monitored individuals committed a new offense, while less than 1% committed a new violent offense
A newly released statewide report on pretrial services programs highlights the success that Yolo County is having in ensuring arrested individuals released before trial avoid rearrest and appear for their court proceedings.
Pretrial services programs aim to increase the safe and efficient release of arrested individuals before trial, using the least restrictive monitoring practices possible while still protecting public safety and ensuring court appearances.
Yolo Court Collects Additional Data on Pretrial Services Program Outcomes
Released in April, the statewide report representing California’s 58 superior courts includes data on arrest bookings, types of pretrial release, assessments conducted, and the use of monitoring and supportive services.
But the Yolo Superior Court collected additional program data on their arrested individuals released before trial, including if they failed to appear for their arraignments or at subsequent court hearings. The court also tracked if arrested individuals released before trial committed a new offense, and if so, if it was a violent offense.
In the Yolo court from July 2024 through June 2025:
- More than 95% of monitored individuals appeared for their arraignment hearing
- More than 90% of monitored individuals appeared at a subsequent court hearing
- Less than 3% of monitored individuals committed a new offense, while less than 1% percent committed a new violent offense
Yolo Court Works Closely with County Partners
The Yolo court credits much of its success in decreasing failure to appear and rearrest rates to effective collaboration with its county justice partners. For example, probation provides services such as mental health referrals and performance tracking.
“We met regularly with pretrial partners to address operational needs and refine procedures during development and early implementation of the program,” said Rocio Richter, a Senior Court Analyst with the Yolo Superior Court. “Now that the program is well established, we no longer hold standing meetings, but communication remains open and ongoing. We connect as needed, particularly when there are upcoming program changes, questions or concerns that arise.”
Court Uses Technology to Stay Connected with Monitored Individuals
Another key element to the Yolo court’s success includes upgraded audio/visual and videoconfencing systems. The court installed three cameras in each courtroom (for the judge, witness, and counsel tables/lecterns) and a system that supports three camera views and presentation based on active microphones and streaming capabilities
“By upgrading the AV systems, the court improved user participation in hybrid courtroom proceedings whether appearing in person or remotely,” adds Richter. “Regardless of the location, parties on a case can see and be seen by all others involved, present evidence, and see evidence presented by others. The upgrade resulted in increased access and reduced interruptions.”
The court also implemented a text notification system to help reduce failures to appear. Monitored individuals have the option to receive text notifications of court dates, continuances, or cancellations through smartphone devices. As part of the pretrial services program, county probation helps them register for text notifications as part of their release.
Judicial Council Support for Pretrial Services Programs
In addition to statewide reporting, the Judicial Council supports courts’ pretrial services programs through disbursement and oversight of state funding; pretrial education and training for the courts and justice partners; and ongoing communication and program guidance, technical assistance, and site visits.
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