Bill > H1868

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law regarding trial default warrants by establishing specific procedures for handling defendants who fail to appear for trial. The bill stipulates that when a person is arrested on a trial default warrant, they can only be subject to bail by a justice from the court that issued the warrant or the district where the warrant was executed. Before release, the arrested individual may be required to pay some or all costs imposed by the issuing justice, unless those costs are remitted. The bill also mandates that trial default warrants must be distinctly labeled as "Trial Default Warrant" on court docket sheets, in the Criminal Offender Registration Index, and in the Massachusetts Warrant System (MWS). A trial default warrant is specifically defined as a warrant issued by a justice on the day of a scheduled trial when a defendant fails to appear, and the Commonwealth can provide a list of witnesses who were present and certify readiness for trial, with the defendant's absence deemed to be without justifiable excuse. The certification of the Commonwealth's trial readiness must be filed with the court clerk on the same day the warrant is issued.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1868