Bill > HR5214

This bill reforms bail and detention practices in Washington, D.C. by mandating pretrial and post-conviction detention for individuals charged with "crimes of violence" or "dangerous crimes", which are specifically defined to include more serious versions of offenses like burglary and robbery. The legislation requires that individuals charged with these types of crimes be automatically detained before trial, eliminating previous discretionary release options. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for secured cash bail (a bond that involves pledging property or money) for individuals charged with "public safety or order crimes", which include offenses like failure to appear in court, obstruction of justice, rioting, and property destruction. The bill modifies existing legal definitions and procedures to tighten pretrial release standards, making it harder for defendants to be released without financial guarantees, particularly for offenses deemed to pose a risk to public safety. These changes would apply to any individual charged with an offense in D.C. 30 days after the act's enactment, representing a significant shift in the district's criminal justice approach toward stricter pretrial detention and bail requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5214/all-info