Research & Innovation on Pretrial Processes & Legal Experiences

Collaboration ◦ Evaluation ◦ Training ◦ Technical Assistance ◦ Impact

Do you have pretrial research and policy questions? We have evidence-based answers. We conduct rigorous research on decision-making, jail and court operations, and impacts on people and communities.

School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, DC

Meet Our Team

  • Stacie St. Louis

    Stacie St. Louis

    Founder & Lead Researcher
    Assistant Professor

  • Moriah Sharpe; Doctoral Student; Department of Justice, Law, Criminology, and Security; American University

    Moriah Sharpe

    Doctoral Research Assistant

  • Eliza Jackson, Doctoral Research Assistant, American University

    Eliza Lee Jackson

    Doctoral Research Assistant

  • Ava Braiter

    Ava Braiter

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Rian Russell, Undergraduate Student, Department of Justice, Law, Criminology, and Security, School of Public Affairs, American University

    Rian Russell

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Asa Mentzel, Undergraduate Research Assistant, American University

    Asa Mentzel

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Briefs

Accessible research for busy people. Understand the evidence in minutes.

Pretrial Justice Myths and Research-Informed Realities

Learn what research shows about pretrial justice, cash bail, and reform through accessible myth vs reality summaries.

Click here to read the brief.

Bail-Paying Study: What We’ve Learned as of June 2026

New research on who posts bail, how they gather the money, and the financial, relational, logistical, and emotional impacts.

Click here to read the brief.

With generous support from American University’s School of Public Affairs & the Helfat Fund.

Ongoing Projects

Which Factors Guide Pretrial Decisions, and To What Extent. We bring together findings from nearly 100 studies to understand what shapes pretrial decisions and how much each factor matters. We explore whether the factors that should matter do and those that shouldn’t don’t.

Barriers for Defendants and Visitors Attending Court. We observed nearly 100 hours of court to examine challenges faced by defendants and visitors, including psychological, learning, and compliance costs, and identify ways to improve attendance and family support.

The Long-Term Impacts of Posting Cash Bail. Through interviews one year later, we examine the lived experiences of families and friends who posted bail. We focus on the logistical, financial, relational, and emotional impacts, as well as perceptions of the justice system.

The Flow of Cash Bail In and Out of Communities. We analyze how bail payments and refunds flow across communities to identify where they are concentrated. We explore which communities are most impacted and how these patterns reflect local characteristics.

(Un)Intended Effects of Time-Served Pretrial Credits. We explore how time-served credit policies can help or harm the justice system. Focusing on the adoption of a 2-for-1 policy, we assess its impacts on pretrial decision-making, case duration and outcomes, and facility crowding.

Your Questions, Answered

  • We conduct mixed-methods research on pretrial decision-making, jail and court operations, and the broader impacts of cash bail and justice system involvement. Our work includes program evaluation, policy analysis, observational research, surveys, interviews, administrative data analysis, and textual analysis.

  • We offer training, evaluation, research design, data analysis, and technical assistance tailored to your agency or organization’s needs. Tell us what questions you’re trying to answer, and we’ll help you get there.

  • Yes! We often work with administrative data to answer practical questions, improve decision-making, and support evidence-based policy. We also help partners in developing effective data management and analysis strategies.

  • No. We are a university-based research group. Our work is independent, data-driven, and focused on generating rigorous evidence to inform policy and practice.

  • As a university-based research group, our work is often supported through university funding. In some cases, we can collaborate with agencies and organizations without direct cost. Larger or more resource-intensive projects may require external funding. We’re happy to discuss project scope and identify what support is feasible.

  • You can reach out through our contact form below or email us directly to discuss your needs. We’re happy to explore potential partnerships, projects, or funding opportunities.

Let’s work together. Tell us what questions you need answered.