Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Pretrial Services Officer work for the U.S. Attorney's Office, also known as the "government"? 

No, Pretrial Services works directly for the U.S. Courts, and more specifically for all judges in the Western District of Washington.  The role of the Pretrial Services Officer is not to prosecute your case or defend your case.  It is to provide objective, unbiased, verified information to the court and supervise the defendant in the community.  The U.S. Attorney's office works for the Department of Justice.

I have an urgent issue and my officer is not available.  What should I do?

In the event that you need immediate assistance and your supervision officer is unavailable, call the office and ask to speak to the duty officer.

I forgot to call the drug line last night, what can I do now?

Call your supervision officer or the main office (206-370-8950) as soon as possible to check if you are scheduled for drug testing today.

I am on drug testing and was just prescribed medication by my doctor.  What should I do?

All prescriptions should be immediately reported to your supervision officer.  Defendants are required to bring in all prescriptions with them to each drug test for verification purposes.

How do I request time to leave if I am on home confinement?

Call the Electronic Monitoring Schedule Request Line at 206-370-8988.  Click here for rules for electronic monitoring.  

I am on Pretrial supervision, and I was arrested or cited.  What do I do now?

Notify your officer within one business day if you have been arrested, cited, or questioned by law enforcement for a law violation.

I was sentenced and have been allowed to self surrender to a federal institution.  Am I still on supervision?

Yes, all Pretrial defendants remain under supervision until such time that they are placed on Probation or surrender to prison.

For all other questions, please contact a Pretrial Services office: