Pre-Arraignment Representation and Review (PARR)
What is PARR?
PARR is an innovative initiative where public defenders, paralegals, and investigators meet people within 48 hours of their arrest. PARR helps its clients avoid jail stays caused by a lack of money and access to legal resources; it helps them avoid the impact prolonged incarceration will have on their employment, housing, and families. PARR can even help clients avoid being put in jail when they have an outstanding arrest warrant.
PARR Goals
PARR serves indigent clients who are in jail awaiting their first court appearance, know as “arraignment.” Unlike privately retained lawyers, traditional public defense provides counsel at arraignment, but not before arraignment. PARR bridges this gap by providing meaningful representation before the person appears at arraignment. PARR aims to:
- Eliminate wealth disparity by providing early representation to the indigent accused
- Support critical decision-making at the outset of the criminal process
- Generate individualized release plans to safely return clients to the community
- Frontload mitigation and exigent investigation to provide the Court a holistic view of our clients
- Strengthen client relationships by treating each person with dignity & respect
The Public Defender's PARR program partnered with U.C. Berkeley’s California Policy Lab (CPL) to study the outcomes of the PARR work. Phase I of the study was published in June of 2023: “Providing Access to Early Legal Counsel Reduces Jail Time and Improves Case Outcomes.” The study concluded that:
PARR resulted in more and earlier releases from custody (by ~23 days)
- 28% more likely to be released
- 78.6% shorter stays in custody
PARR improved case outcomes
- More likely to have case dismissed by DA (36%)
- Less likely to be convicted (27%)
Ensure Public Defense Counsel Before Arraignment - Committee on Revision of the Penal Code 2022