Bill > HB57

This bill modifies the bail standards for certain criminal offenses in New Hampshire by establishing a more comprehensive list of "qualifying offenses" for which defendants will be automatically detained pending arraignment. The bill expands the previous list of specific serious crimes to include additional offenses such as various assault and sexual assault charges, kidnapping, trafficking, robbery, child exploitation, and any felony that involves the use or threat of physical force against a person. Furthermore, the bill adds a provision that if a person has been twice previously convicted of a qualifying offense, they will also be subject to mandatory detention. When a person is arrested for a qualifying offense, they cannot be brought before a bail commissioner and must instead be detained and arraigned within 36 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). At the arraignment, the court will determine whether the person should be held pending trial based on a probable cause finding of potential danger to themselves or the public. The bill provides a detailed, expanded definition of serious offenses that warrant stricter bail treatment, with the aim of enhancing public safety. The legislation will take effect 180 days after its passage.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=21&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB57