Exploring Judicial Discretion and Correctional Policy in the Practice of Violation of probation Holds in One Unique County Facility in Northwest Florida. Issue 5 (19th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goulette, Natalie; Johnson, Kathrine; Vaughn, Stefan
• Is Part Of: Corrections. Volume 5:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 350
• Publication Date: 2020-10-19
• Subjects: Judicial discretion -- violation of probation -- jail costs -- jail crowding -- first appearance; Punishment -- United States -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.60973
• DOI: 10.1080/23774657.2018.1547889
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2377-4657

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A unique position of one county correctional facility in northwest Florida raises questions about jail crowding, costs, due process, and judicial discretion. Probationers arrested and held for first appearance may be subject to a violation of probation (VOP) hold by the judge. Even if they can bond out on the new charge, they may remain in jail for 5– to 10 days. In analyzing court documents, this case study found that the use of VOP holds resulted in more than 4, 000 additional days of incarceration for probationers, costing the county $209, 000. Many of those who were held on a VOP hold never had a violation of probation filed The authors explore these issues and make some suggestions for change.