You have likely been charged with a federal crime. Rather than issuing a warrant for your arrest the Court has issued a Summons requiring you to appear before a Federal Magistrate Judge. This hearing is not optional, failure to appear to Court at the time appointed will likely result in a warrant for your arrest.  The letter you received requests that you contact the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office to schedule an appointment with a Pretrial Services Officer for an interview.  You should contact the Officer named in your letter to schedule a Pretrial Interview.

A bail report is written for the purpose of providing the Court with information about the person being charged with a federal crime.  The Court uses the information, and other information to determine if a defendant is to be held in custody, or released from custody, and if released, are there conditions the defendant must comply with.  It is also possible for someone to not be taken into custody and not have conditions of release imposed.

The pretrial interview will consist of questions regarding your residence, family, employment, finances, medical, mental health and substance abuse history.  Other statistical information will be gathered including: date of birth, where you were born, marital status, and immigration status if applicable.  This is not an all-inclusive list of questions.  You will NOT be asked about the crime you are being charged with and you should avoid making any statements regarding the crime. You have the right not to answer questions you are asked.

When the Court determines that the defendant does not pose a risk of danger to the community and/or danger of failure to appear, they can be released from custody and placed on Pretrial Supervision.  The Court can impose conditions for defendants to comply with while on pretrial supervision.  Persons on pretrial supervision are to maintain contact with a U.S. Pretrial Services Officer who is assigned to monitor the defendant's compliance with imposed conditions. Conditions of release are clearly stated in Court by the Judge and defendants are provided with a written copy of all conditions.