United States · Bill · HR
H.R. 5854 (97th)
A bill to amend the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize consideration of danger to the community in setting pretrial release conditions, to eliminate surety bond, to permit pretrial detention of certain offenders, and for other purposes.
Introduced
16 March 1982
Last action
—
Status
Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice.
Sponsors
—
Subjects
Discovery layer
Source updated
16 January 2025
Summary
Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Eliminates execution of a money bond as a condition for pretrial release. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Expands the discretionary release conditions to include that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or use of alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) forfeit property upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to five days of a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; or (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years imprisonment. Permits the Government or the court to move for a detention hearing in any other case involving: (1) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (2) any felony committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing or appeal unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates pretrial release conditions.
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Versions
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Documents
1 official file
Introduced in House
summary · EN · 16 March 1982
Sponsors
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Related records
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Sources
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- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/97th-congress/house-bill/5854
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/97/hr/5854