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Pretrial Release In Virginia: Investigating The Influence Of Defendant Characteristics And Community Type On Pretrial Outcome, Marie L. Vannostrand

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

This study identified defendant characteristics that are related to pretrial outcome (success or failure pending trial) in Virginia. The study also investigated the potential differences in predictors across community types (Large Urban, Small Urban, Mixed, and Rural). Identification of factors that are predictors of outcome, as well as any differences across community types, can assist judicial officers in making the bail decision. The bail decision, to release or incarcerate a defendant pending trial, is a monumental one. Judicial officers must attempt to fairly and equitably balance the rights and needs of the defendant with those of the public at large. …