Bill > SB880

This bill alters the requirements for pretrial release of defendants in criminal cases. The key provisions are: 1. It requires judicial officers to release defendants on personal recognizance or unsecured bond, with or without conditions, unless they find based on evidence that no permissible nonfinancial condition will reasonably assure the defendant's appearance and the safety of victims, others, and the community. 2. It authorizes judicial officers to impose various nonfinancial conditions of release, such as requirements related to employment, education, curfew, and substance abuse treatment, in order to reasonably assure appearance and safety. 3. It limits the use of financial conditions, allowing them only when no other condition will reasonably assure appearance, and prohibits using them solely to prevent future criminal conduct, protect the community, or punish the defendant. 4. It requires counties to establish or collaborate on pretrial services programs to provide supervision, assessments, treatment referrals, and other support for released defendants. 5. It directs the development and use of validated risk assessment tools by District Court commissioners to inform pretrial release decisions.

Justice

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0880?ys=2017rs