Work Release Eligibility

The Work Release Program is a structured residential-based program that enables selected inmates to work and participate in community programs to aid in their transition back into the community upon their release. Work-release participants are either directly court ordered into the program or are placed into the program by the Sheriff. The Sheriff's criteria for acceptance into the Work Release Program are as follows: 

• Sentenced to two years or less to be considered for work release, and must be within 180 days of release to begin the program. Also, they must have a minimum of 30 days remaining to serve.
• No outstanding charges, detainers, or out-of-state time.
• No convictions for sex crimes or a child related crime.
• No pattern or history of violent crime.
• No escapes from custody.
• Not previously revoked from the program during this period of incarceration.
• Reside in one of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments jurisdictions.
• May be required to complete the residential portion of the Intensive Addictions Program (IAP) prior to participating in the Work-Release Program; or may be required to participate in the In-Center or community-based treatment programs as a condition of work-release participation.

A sentencing judge is not obliged to comply with the Sheriff's criteria for program placement; however, the Sheriff may provide the court with additional information about offenders ordered into the program, which may cause the court to rescind the order for work-release placement.

For more information about the Work Release Program, contact the vocational staff at 703-246-2206, TTY 711.