Escambia County Pretrial Release (PTR) Program
Pre-Trial Release (PTR) in Escambia County is a court-ordered alternative to staying in jail while charges are pending. A judge refers the defendant to PTR, and jail staff give them written release conditions. Officers from Escambia County Community Corrections then supervise them — usually with weekly reporting — until the case ends. There’s no supervision fee, but court-ordered tests cost $15 (breath/alcohol) or $25 (urinalysis).
On this page
How someone gets on Pretrial Release
- A judge orders it, usually at first appearance, or later on a defense motion. Defendants who post bond can also be referred to PTR as an extra condition.
- Jail staff complete release paperwork and give the defendant their written conditions of release.
- The defendant reports to Pretrial Release as instructed, typically within a short time after release.
What supervision looks like
According to Escambia County, Pretrial Release officers monitor court-ordered conditions through:
- weekly office visits (unless the court directs otherwise),
- scheduled and random field visits,
- phone contact and correspondence,
- drug and alcohol testing when ordered.
Common court conditions include no new arrests, no contact with an alleged victim, curfews, staying away from certain places, no alcohol or drugs, and electronic monitoring in some cases.
Participation lasts until the case is completed, PTR is revoked, or the court removes the person from the program. Violating conditions can lead to arrest and loss of release.
Fees and payment
- Supervision: no fee.
- Breath/alcohol test: $15 each, if court-ordered.
- Urinalysis: $25 each, if court-ordered.
- Payment: money order, Visa or MasterCard, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Contact
Escambia County Pre-Trial Release 6400 North W Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 Phone: 850-595-3100
Pretrial Release vs. Pretrial Diversion
They sound alike but are different:
| Pretrial Release (PTR) | Pretrial Diversion (PTD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Get out of jail while the case is pending | Resolve the case without a conviction |
| Decided by | Judge | State Attorney approves eligibility |
| Result | Case continues normally | Charges dismissed after the program is completed |
| Typical for | Many defendants awaiting trial | First-time, lower-level offenses |
Escambia County Community Corrections also runs Pre-Trial Diversion, Misdemeanor Probation, Community Service and Check Diversion programs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pretrial Release cost money in Escambia County?
There’s no supervision fee for Escambia County Pre-Trial Release. If the court orders testing, each breath or alcohol test costs $15 and each urinalysis costs $25, paid by money order, Visa or MasterCard on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6400 North W Street in Pensacola.
How often do you report on Pretrial Release?
Weekly, unless the court orders a different schedule. Pretrial Release officers also make scheduled and random field visits and check in by phone. Missing reports or breaking conditions such as no contact or no alcohol can lead to arrest and loss of release, so keep the paperwork you receive at the jail.
Can you be on Pretrial Release and also post bond?
Yes. A judge can combine a monetary bond with Pretrial Release supervision as conditions of release, or order supervision alone instead of bond. The written conditions handed out at the jail list exactly what’s required, including when and where to report: Pre-Trial Release, 6400 North W Street, 850-595-3100.
Sources: Escambia County Pre-Trial Release · Community Corrections · Pre-Trial Diversion