Vermont § 7554c - Pretrial risk assessments; needs screenings

§ 7554c. Pretrial risk assessments; needs screenings

• (a)(1) The objective of a pretrial needs screening is to obtain a preliminary indication
  of whether a person has a substantial substance abuse or mental health issue that
  would warrant a subsequent court order for a more detailed clinical assessment. (2) Participation in a needs screening pursuant to this section does not create any entitlement
  for the screened person. (b)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, a judge may request that
  a pretrial services coordinator perform a risk assessment that assesses risk of flight
  for a person who is arrested, lodged, and unable to post bail within 24 hours of lodging. (2) A person charged with an offense for which registration as a sex offender is required
  pursuant to chapter 167, subchapter 3 of this title or an offense punishable by a
  term of life imprisonment shall not be eligible under this section. (3) Participation in risk assessment or needs screening shall be voluntary and a person’s
  refusal to participate shall not result in any criminal legal liability to the person. (4) In the event a screening cannot be obtained prior to arraignment, the needs screening
  shall be conducted as soon as practicable. (5) A person who qualifies pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection and who has
  an additional pending charge or a violation of probation shall not be excluded from
  being offered a needs screening unless the other charge is a listed crime. (6) Any person charged with a criminal offense, a person who is the subject of a youthful
  offender petition pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 5280, or a person 18 years of age or older who is the subject of a delinquency petition
  pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 5201, except those persons identified in subdivision (2) of this subsection, may choose
  to engage with a pretrial services coordinator.