Alameda County Court Expands Pretrial Services to Prevent Recidivism

The new program connects defendants awaiting trial with caseworkers and social services.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Superior Court of Alameda County has launched an expanded pretrial services program that will connect people charged but not convicted of crimes with caseworkers and direct links to social services. The goal is to provide support to the roughly 3,000 defendants released from custody and awaiting trial each year, in order to prevent future arrests and recidivism.

Why it matters

This program aims to address the cycle of recidivism by providing defendants with access to critical services and resources like housing, employment, mental health treatment, and more. By supporting defendants before they are convicted, the court hopes to help them get their lives back on track and avoid recommitting crimes.

The details

The expanded pretrial services program is a partnership between the Alameda County Superior Court, the Probation Department, and the nonprofit BOSS. It will add 12 new positions including 8 case managers, 2 supervisors, and 2 intake coordinators. These caseworkers will work with an estimated 2,000 moderate- and high-risk defendants to connect them with services. The court has approved a one-time $3 million expenditure for the first year, and will collect data to seek additional state funding in the future.

  • The Superior Court of Alameda County launched the expanded pretrial services program this week.

The players

Cory Jacobs

Leads the court's pretrial services unit.

Michael Markman

Presiding Judge of the Alameda County Superior Court.

Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS)

A nonprofit organization partnering with the court on the pretrial services program.

Alameda County Probation Department

Partnering with the court and BOSS on the pretrial services program.

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What they’re saying

“So many people end up spending more time in jail and becoming further involved in the criminal justice system because they don't have access to the supportive services and resources they need.”

— Cory Jacobs, Leads the court's pretrial services unit (ktvu.com)

“Judges search for ways for those being released pending trial to get the help they might need to improve their lives and stay out of trouble. I'm extremely proud of our court team for stepping forward and working through many barriers to create a program and partnership that will improve lives and make our community safer.”

— Michael Markman, Presiding Judge, Alameda County Superior Court (ktvu.com)

“We've seen it over and over again – if you don't provide the services, you'll likely to see a defendant in your courtroom again. Recidivism is far more expensive than providing basic services to those in need.”

— Michael Markman, Presiding Judge, Alameda County Superior Court (ktvu.com)

What’s next

In the next six months, the court will be collecting and analyzing data from the new pretrial services program to demonstrate its effectiveness and seek additional funding from the state legislature.

The takeaway

This expanded pretrial services program in Alameda County represents a proactive approach to addressing recidivism by providing defendants awaiting trial with the support and resources they need to get their lives back on track. By investing in these services upfront, the court aims to break the cycle of repeat offenses and make the community safer in the long run.