Pretrial detention is the legal process of holding a person in jail before they have been convicted of a crime. This type of detention is typically used when a person has been charged with a serious offense, or when the court believes that the defendant may be a flight risk or a danger to the public if released. Pretrial detention can last for days, weeks, or even months depending on the severity of the charge and other factors.
The purpose of pretrial detention is to ensure that defendants appear at their trial date and do not commit any further offenses while awaiting trial. This type of detention also serves as an opportunity for prosecutors to negotiate plea deals with defendants and for defense attorneys to gather evidence and prepare their case.
In some cases, individuals who are held in pretrial detention can be released on bail or bond if they can prove that they pose no risk to society and will return for their trial date.