The Impact of the Santa Clara Public Defender Pre-Arraignment Representation & Review (PARR) Program at Scale

This study evaluates the Pre-Arraignment Representation and Review (PARR) program operated by the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office, which provides early legal representation to indigent defendants immediately after booking. We investigate whether early access to counsel reduces pretrial detention, improves case outcomes, and lowers recidivism compared to standard assignment of public defenders at arraignment. Research questions: Does PARR reduce days detained, increase the probability of release, and improve case outcomes for individuals booked on PARR days compared to non-PARR days? Do people booked on PARR days recidivate at equal or lower rates than people booked on non-PARR days? Does the impact of PARR vary by individual demographics, such as race, ethnicity, or sex, and/or case characteristics, such as felony or domestic violence offense?

The study leverages a quasi-randomized rotating service schedule that creates program and comparison groups based on the day of booking. With approximately 3,800 eligible individuals expected over a 12-month period, we will estimate both intent-to-treat and treatment-on-the-treated effects on release, case, and recidivism outcomes. Findings will provide rigorous causal evidence on the effectiveness of early representation programs and inform equitable pretrial policy reforms across the United States.