Pretrial Release Guide
Supervised Own-Recognizance Release: What It Means in California
Own-recognizance release generally means release based on a promise to return to court instead of posting money bail. A court may also add supervision or other conditions. Terms and program structure can differ between counties.
Quick answer
What Is Supervised OR Release?
- Own-recognizance release generally means release based on a promise to return to court rather than posting money bail.
- A court may also impose supervision or additional conditions.
- Terminology and program structure may differ between counties.
- The actual court order determines release status and conditions.
Release options
Pretrial Release Options
Four release statuses: own recognizance, supervised release, money bail and detention.
Own recognizance
- Promise to return
- No money bail posted
Supervised release / supervised OR
- Released with court-ordered supervision or conditions
Money bail
- Release after the applicable bail requirement is satisfied
Detention
- Person remains in custody
Terms
OR, ROR and Supervised Release
"OR," "ROR," "own recognizance" and "supervised release" may be used differently depending on the county. Not every California county uses the exact term "Supervised ROR." California's OR release rules appear in Penal Code §1318. See also Released Without Bail.
Conditions
Possible Conditions
Examples may include check-ins, home detention, GPS monitoring, drug testing, alcohol testing, treatment, protective orders, travel restrictions, contact restrictions and other lawful conditions.
Not every supervised OR case includes every condition. See Pretrial Electronic Monitoring and Remote Alcohol Monitoring.
Decision
Who Decides Release?
The court decides release and conditions. Pretrial Services may supervise where applicable. California Courts explains the arraignment stage, where release is often addressed.
Limits
No Automatic Outcome
A first offense does not guarantee OR release. Treatment or private monitoring does not guarantee supervised release. ETS cannot secure release. Counsel makes release arguments.
Legal note
Release status and conditions are set by the court. Counsel handles release arguments and modifications.
What ETS can and cannot do
Where Executive Treatment Solutions Fits
ETS can coordinate private testing, monitoring and records. ETS is not Pretrial Services or the court and cannot secure release.
Responsibilities
Who Does What?
Court
Sets release status and conditions.
Pretrial Services
Supervises where applicable.
Defense counsel
Makes release arguments.
ETS
Coordinates private monitoring and records.
Questions
Supervised OR Release: Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Legal References
California law
California Courts
Confidential consultation
Stay Organized on Release
ETS can coordinate testing, monitoring and records while counsel handles release issues.
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