Bail is paid to allow a defendant to reside outside of custody during the court proceedings, it is a monetary "promise" that the defendant will return for subsequent hearings. The money posted is returned to the person who paid it when the proceedings are completed, or the defendant is returned to the jail. The Defense Attorney in the case will need to make the necessary arrangements to have it returned.

If a person posts bail and is released from custody, the Prosecutor's Office has 72 hours from the time of arrest to charge the case in Superior Court or the money can be returned. If this occurs, the person that paid the bail will need to fill out a request form available at the Prosecutor's Office.

All felony cases and some misdemeanor cases can have an attorney appointed if the defendant meets certain requirements. Once a case has been charged by the Prosecutor's Office, defendants who are unable to afford an attorney may be eligible. The defendant needs to make an appointment with Pretrial Services to set up an interview. 

Defendants and their families need to refer all questions and comments to the Defense Attorney handling the case. The exception to this is if the family member is the victim of the crime, in which case the Victim Advocate is the point of contact.

See the Thurston County Drug Court page for more information.

Diversion is an alternative to prosecution in certain cases. Defendants selected to participate must meet eligibility criteria. The program usually involves community service and payment of restitution, as well as no subsequent violations during a determined length of time. Violations of the agreement can result in the case being returned to the courts and fully prosecuted.

The Mental Health Court is designed to offer a therapeutic approach to individuals suffering from mental illness who are currently involved in the local criminal justice system. The mission of the Thurston County Mental Health Court is to serve the community and increase public safety by monitoring, supporting and holding accountable justice-involved individuals with mental illness in accessing treatment and improving their quality of life. We treat each participant with respect and dignity, thus empowering them to make positive changes in their life.

Thurston County Veterans Court is modeled after Thurston County's Mental Health Court. The mission of the Thurston County Veterans Court is to serve the community and increase public safety by monitoring, supporting and holding accountable justice-involved individuals with mental illness in accessing treatment and improving their quality of life. We treat each participant with respect and dignity, thus empowering them to make positive changes in their life.