How to be released on Supervised Own Recognizance

Supervised Own Recognizance also known as (SOR) is an alternative to bail release which is offered to defendants who qualify for this type of supervised release. Its purpose is to permit the defendant to return back into the community 24 hours after his/her arrest with the condition he or she provides verifiable community ties to the court and agrees to report in a local supervision office usually on a weekly basis. (SOR) has been a form of bond release method, which first developed in New York City. It was called the Criminal Justice Agency and most participants were defendants found indigent by the court who qualified for release. Its conception evolved over North America and now most cities have alternative similar bond type release programs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• To qualify for (SOR) a defendant must show no serious violent criminal history or recidivism for felonies.
• A point scoring system determines the eligibility of each defendant.
• An interview of the defendant is often required and information collected on his or her family and community ties must be verified prior to release.
• Before release the defendant should sign in open court a release agreement and adhere to the release conditions set by the court and the release program.
• The defendant must report to his local supervision office on the scheduled date and pay any cost of supervision applicable.
• Comply with all release conditions without any violations while his or her case is pending.
• The defendant must appear to all the court date scheduled in his or her case.

1. If you are arrested and indigent contact your family members if possible by making a collect call from your cell. Advise them that court officers will contact them to verify your residential address, and other personal information you will have to provide.
2. Upon being interviewed prior to your first appearance that is usually set within 24 hours of your initial arrest, answer the interview questions truthfully. Inform the interviewer you are interested in a supervised release program.
3. Appear for your hearing at first appearance and follow the advise of your attorney regarding your case. When bond release options arise your attorney can inform the court that you have agreed to be release under your own recognizance.

Tips & Warnings

• The worst thing to do is disrespect the court staff or jail employees it will not get you out faster. Use your discretion when discussing your case with anyone. You should limit the amount of information you mention about your case to the interviewer, because although a neutral party he or she is not an attorney and anything you tell them can be used against you. Make sure you provide only the needed information for your bond release such as: address, phone number, employer, etc.... Report case information to your attorney only.
• Once you are released after first appearance you may feel as your arrest and case is over. But, it is not, so remember to report in for your supervision on your scheduled date, because a warrant for your arrest will be issued if you do not report in to your supervision officer increasing the length of your case and load of legal problems.