Bill > HB348

This bill establishes new procedures for individuals charged with violent offenses who are also considered "illegal aliens," meaning they are in the country without legal authorization, as defined by existing Alabama law. If such a defendant is charged with a "violent offense," which is also defined by current Alabama law, they will be detained and cannot be released on bail until a special pretrial detention hearing is held. During this hearing, a judge will decide whether to deny bail based on several factors, including the nature of the crime, the danger the defendant might pose to others, the likelihood of them fleeing, the strength of the evidence against them, and their personal history. Crucially, the bill creates a presumption that an "illegal alien" defendant is a flight risk, meaning the court must give significant consideration to this assumption when deciding on bail, and this presumption is intended to heavily influence the judge's decision. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search