General Provisions Regarding Bail and Detention in Criminal Cases:

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "[e]xcessive bail shall not be required . . ." U.S. Const. Amend. VIII. The United States Supreme Court has interpreted this amendment to prohibit the imposition of excessive bail without creating a right to bail in criminal cases. See United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739, 754-55 (1987)("eighth amendment does not grant absolute right to bail"). The subject of bail and detention also implicates the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause, and requires that laws imposing pretrial detention "serve a compelling governmental interest", Salerno, 481 U.S. at 752, and "the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment". See United States v. Ailemen, 165 F.R.D. 571, 577 (N.D.Cal. 1996)(internal citations omitted). In federal criminal proceedings, release and detention determinations are governed by the Bail Reform Act of 1984. 18 U.S.C. §§ 3141-3156 (1990). These sections contain specific guidelines that "judicial officers" must follow in considering whether a defendant should be detained or released pending federal criminal proceedings.

 

Title 18, United States Code, Section 3141(a) gives "judicial officers" authority to make determinations regarding bail in all stages of a criminal case, up to and including the trial stage. The term "judicial officers" is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 3156, along with other terms relevant to the matter of bail in criminal cases. Once a defendant has been convicted of the federal charges, Title 18, United States Code, Section 3141(b) vests authority with district judges and the appellate courts to make bail determinations pending the imposition or execution of sentence, or pending appeal of the same.

 

Title 18, United States Code, Sections 3152 through 3154 pertain to the administration and the supervision authority of pretrial services officers in the federal criminal system. Section 3154 specifically empowers pretrial services officers with the authority to collect information from defendants and other sources relative to the matter of bail. Pretrial services officers are authorized to make recommendations as to whether a defendant should be detained or released, including specific recommendations regarding conditions of release. 18 U.S.C. § 3154(1). Pretrial services officers are also authorized to establish facilities for and conduct the supervision of defendants released under the provisions of Section 3142.

 

The pretrial service officer's report is often a good source of information relating to the background of a defendant. Normally, attorneys are permitted to view a copy of the pretrial report (usually marked "Attorney's Copy"). It is important to make such a review a regular practice as information relating to a defendant's community contacts, pager and telephone numbers, bank information, asset information, criminal history, etc. are all revealed within this report. If your district uses "duty attorney's" for magistrate court, a review of the pretrial report is essential to make an accurate statement regarding the government's position on the matter of bond. Remember, however, these reports are not supposed to be seen by case agents, and there usually is a statement to that effect somewhere on the front page of the report.

 

For a lengthy discussion regarding the procedures and theories of pretrial release and detention, see Ailemen, 165 F.R.D. 571.

 

Categories Of Pretrial Release and Detention: Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142 defines the categories of "release and detention" a defendant may be subject to and contains the rules under which the court and parties must proceed relating to bail matters. In that regard, Section 3142(a) states "that upon the appearance before a judicial officer of a person charged with an offense, the judicial officer shall make a determination regarding bail status of the defendant, and shall enter an order designating a defendant's custodial status" under one of four categories:

1. released on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond (following the provisions of Section 3142(b));
2. released on a condition or combination of conditions as defined by Section 3142(c);
3. temporarily detained to permit revocation of conditional release, deportation, or exclusion under Section 3142(d); or
4. detained pursuant to the provisions of Section 3142(e).

Release on Personal Recognizance/Unsecured Appearance Bond: Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142(b) requires a judicial officer to order the pretrial release of a defendant on "personal recognizance" or upon the defendant's execution of an "unsecured appearance bond" in an amount specified by the court. A Section 3142(b) release order must be conditioned on a defendant's agreement to "not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during the period of release." If, however, the judicial officer determines that the release of a defendant on "personal recognizance" or "unsecured appearance bond" would not "reasonably assure" the defendant's appearance at court proceedings, or will "endanger the safety of any other person or the community", then there is no obligation to order release. 18 U.S.C. §§ 3142(b) and 3142(c). In this event, the judicial officer must follow the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142(c).

 

Release On Conditions: Once a judicial officer has made the determination that a defendant does not qualify for release under Section 3142(b), then the judicial officer must follow Section 3142(c). When structuring the release of a defendant under Section 3142(c), the judicial officer must order that the defendant "not commit a Federal, State, or Local crime during the period of release. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)(1)(A). In addition, the judicial officer must impose the least restrictive condition or combination of conditions necessary to "reasonably assure" the defendant's appearance as required and to "reasonably assure" the safety of any person and the community". 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)(1)(B). An illustrative list of conditions is set forth in § 3142(c)(1)(B)(i through xiv) which gives the judicial officer authority to impose conditions not specifically enumerated so long as the same serve the purposes set out in § 3142(c)(1)(B). It is important to note that "Section 3142 speaks only of conditions that will "reasonably" assure appearance, not guarantee it". United States v. Xulum, 84 F.3d 441, 443 (D.C. Cir. 1996)(per curiam). A judicial officer is not permitted to impose any financial conditions of release which result in the pretrial detention of a defendant. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)(2). The conditions of release imposed on a defendant under a Section 3142(c) order may be amended at any time to impose additional or different conditions of release. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)(3).

 

Factors Judicial Officer Must Take Into Consideration Regarding A Defendant's Eligibility For Release: When making a determination regarding the eligibility of a defendant for pretrial release (whether personal recognizance , unsecured appearance bond, or release on conditions), the judicial officer must consider the factors listed in Section 3142(g), including:

1. the nature and circumstances of the offense (in particular whether it is an offense which is violent or nonviolent in nature, or involves narcotics);
2. the weight of the evidence against the person;
3. the history and characteristics of the person --
1. character -- including physical and mental condition), family ties, employment, financial resources, length of time in the community, community ties, past conduct history relating to drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, record of court appearances; and
2. whether, at the time of the current offense or arrest, the person was on probation, on parole, or on other release pending trial, sentencing, appeal, or completion of sentence for an offense under Federal, State, or local law; and
4. the nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or to the community that would be posed by the person's release.

18 U.S.C. § 3142(g). In addition to considering evidence of the factors set forth above, the court may upon its own motion, or upon the motion of the government attorney, conduct an inquiry into the source of any property to be designated for potential forfeiture or offered as collateral to secure any bond. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g)(4). If the court determines that any such collateral or property, because of its source, will not reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required, the designation or use of the collateral or property as security for a bond shall be refused. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g)(4).

 

Considerations Regarding Temporary Detention Orders: Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142(d) requires a judicial officer to enter an order of temporary detention in cases where a factual determination is made that:

1. the defendant:
1. is, and was at the time the offense was committed, on
1. release pending trial for a felony under Federal, State, or local law;
2. release pending imposition or execution of sentence, appeal of sentence or conviction, or completion of sentence, for any offense under Federal, State, or local law; or
3. probation or parole for any offense under Federal, State, or local law; OR
2. is not a citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(2); AND
2. the defendant may flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community.

18 U.S.C. § 3142(d). The formula for calculating the 10 day temporary detention period is set forth in Section 3142(d). At the time the 10 day order is entered, the judicial officer must direct the attorney for the government to notify the appropriate "authorities" of the defendant's status. In the event that the "notified authority" declines to take the defendant into custody, then the judicial officer must make an independent determination regarding bail under the provisions of Sections 3142(b), 3142(c), and 3142(e)(if the government moves for detention).

 

.

Pretrial Motions for Detention: The Bail Reform Act requires the pretrial detention of a defendant only if a judicial officer determines that no conditions or combination of conditions exist which will "reasonably assure the appearance of the person", see United States v. Xulam, 84 F.3d 441, 442 (D.C.Cir. 1996)(per curiam), and "the safety of any other person and the community." United States v. Rodriguez, 897 F. Supp. 1461, 1463 (S.D.Fla. 1995); 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c).

Cases Which Qualify For Detention Hearings: Section 3142(f) defines specific situations under which a judicial officer may hold a detention hearing. Those situations are as follows:

1. Upon the motion of the government attorney, in a case that involves:
1. a crime of violence;
2. an offense with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or death;
3. an offense for which the maximum term of imprisonment is 10 or more years as prescribed by the Controlled Substances Act; or
4. any felony if the person has been convicted of two or more offenses described in paragraphs (a) through (c) or comparable state offenses.
2. Upon the motion of the government attorney or on the court's own motion, in a case that involves:
1. a serious risk of flight; or
2. a serious risk that the defendant will obstruct justice or threaten a witness.

18 U.S.C. § 3142(f). Section 3142(f) "does not authorize a detention hearing in the absence of one of the six situations set forth above." United States v. Butler, 165 F.R.D. 68, 71 (N.D.Ohio 1996). Thus, the government may not request a detention hearing only on the allegations of danger to the community or another person. The "government is required to demonstrate that there are grounds for a hearing under the specific provisions of either 3142(f)(1) or (f)(2)." Butler, 165 F.R.D. at 71. "When there exists one or more grounds for holding a hearing under those provisions, the government may proceed on the theory of risk of flight and/or danger to the community or any other person." Id. Section 3142(f) may fairly be interpreted as authorizing pretrial detention "only upon proof of a likelihood of flight, a threatened obstruction of justice or a danger of recidivism in one or more of the crimes actually specified by the bail statute." Butler, 165 F.R.D. at 71 (quoting United States v. Himler, 797 F.2d 156, 160 (3d Cir. 1986) and citing United States v. Byrd, 969 F.2d 106 (5th Cir. 1992); United States v. Ploof, 851 F.2d 7 (1st Cir. 1988)).

 

When the court has determined that a detention hearing is warranted, it may consider evidence relating to a defendant's danger to the community. Detention considerations are then guided by the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g), and the specific consideration of "the nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or the community that would be posed by the person's release." Butler, 165 F.R.D. at 71; 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g)(4). Accordingly, the government must first prove one or more of the grounds listed in 3142(f)(1) or (2) as a prerequisite to the court considering the factor of danger to the community whether there exist appropriate conditions of release in the case. In the Butler decision, the court evaluated the government's motion to detain a defendant charged with firearms offenses. In reaching a decision in favor of pretrial detention, the Butler court stated:

there is danger inherent to the community in the unlawful possession of firearms, both a rifle and a pipe bomb. This is particularly true where the possessor has a lengthy criminal history, has not been deterred from the commission of crime by prior convictions and appears to be involved in ongoing drug offenses.

165 F.R.D. at 72.

Timing Of Detention Hearing: Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142(f)(2) contains specific guidelines regarding the timing of detention hearings. Ideally, the hearing is supposed to take place immediately upon the defendant's first appearance before the judicial officer. However, given the fact that a defendant may lack representation at this initial appearance, the detention hearing is not likely to go forward unless the court has made other arrangements for the defendant to be represented by counsel. Section 3142(f)(2) also permits a 3 day delay of the detention hearing upon the motion of the government attorney. A defendant may request a continuance of up to 5 days under this section, for good cause shown. Between the time the detention motion is filed and the actual detention hearing (up through the court's ruling on the motion for detention), the defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal's Office. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2). A hearing may be reopened before or after the court's ruling on a detention motion, at any time before trial if the judicial officer makes a factual finding that information exists that was not previously known at the time of the hearing and that the information is material on the issue of whether there are conditions of release that will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant and the safety of any other person and the community.

 

Detention Hearings May Proceed By Way of Proffer; Rules of Evidence Do Not Apply: "Detention hearings are an informal proceeding, and the evidence presented is not governed by the Federal Rules of Evidence." United States v. Duncan, 897 F. Supp. 688, 690 (N.D.N.Y. 1988); 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2). The government may proceed in a detention hearing by way of proffer. Smith, 79 F.3d at 1209-10 (citing United States v. Gaviria, 828 F.2d 667, 669 (11th Cir. 1987); United States v. Martir, 782 F.2d 1141, 1145 (2d Cir. 1986); United States v. Winsor, 785 F.2d 755, 756 (9th Cir. 1986); United States v. Acevedo-Ramos, 755 F.2d 203, 206-07 (1st Cir. 1985)). The rationale for permitting detention hearings to proceed by way of proffer is that such hearings are "neither a discovery device for the defense nor a trial on the merits." Smith, 79 F.3d at 1210. "The process that is due is only that which is required by and proportionate to the purpose of the proceeding." Id. "That purpose includes neither a reprise of all the evidence presented before the grand jury, United States v. Suppa, 799 F.2d 115, 119 (3d Cir. 1986), nor the right to confront non-testifying government witnesses, United States v. Accetturo, 783 F.2d 382, 388-89 (3d Cir. 1986). Smith, 79 F.3d at 1210 (also citing United States v. Hurtado, 779 F.2d 1467, 1479 (11th Cir. 1985)(purpose of pretrial detention hearing is not to "rehash . . . probable cause" but to provide opportunity for detainee to show no risk of flight or danger to community); United States v. Williams, 798 F. Supp. 34, 36 (D.D.C. 1992)). "A right to require the government to produce its witnesses against [a defendant] would complicate the hearing to a degree out of proportion to the liberty interest at stake - viz. the interest in remaining free until trial, for what is by statute a period of limited duration." Smith, 79 F.3d at 1210; see also Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161, et seq.

 

Application of the Rebuttable Presumption: Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142(e) contains three categories of criminal offenses that give rise to a rebuttable presumption that "no condition or combination of conditions" will (1) "reasonably assure" the safety of any other person and the community if the defendant is released; or (2) "reasonably assure" the appearance of the defendant as required and "reasonably assure" the safety of any other person and the community if the defendant is released. These three categories are:

1. A judicial officer finds that:
1. the person has been convicted of a Federal offense that is described in subsection (f)(1) of this section, or of a State or local offense that would have been an offense described in subsection (f)(1) of this section if a circumstance giving rise to Federal jurisdiction had existed;
2. the offense described in paragraph one of this subsection was committed while the person was on release pending trial for a Federal, State, or local offense; and
3. a period of not more than five years has elapsed since the date of conviction, or the release of the person from imprisonment, for the offense described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, whichever is later.

18 U.S.C. § 3142(e)(1)-(3).

1. A judicial officer finds that there is probable cause to believe that the person committed an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years or more is prescribed.
2. A judicial officer finds that there is probable cause to believe that the person committed an offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).

18 U.S.C. § 3142(e).

The rebuttable presumption relating only to the safety of any other person and the community pertains to those cases meeting the criteria of Section 3142(e)(1)-(3). It is important to note, that all 3 of these conditions must be met for the proper application of the rebuttable presumption of "danger to the community."

The rebuttable presumption relating to both "risk of flight" and "danger to the community" pertains to those cases where the judicial officer finds there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed: (1) a drug offense (as defined under Title 21) when the maximum term of imprisonment is 10 years or more; or (2) an offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). 18 U.S.C. § 3142(e).

 

The indictment alone is sufficient to raise the rebuttable presumption that no condition (or combination of conditions) will ensure the defendant's reappearance for trial and that no conditions of release will ensure the safety of the community, see, e.g., Smith, 79 F.3d at 1210-1211 (citing United States v. Dillon, 938 F.2d 1412 (1st Cir. 1991); Suppa, 799 F.2d at 119; United States v. Dominguez, 783 F.2d 702, 706 n.7 (7th Cir. 1986); Hurtado, 779 F.2d at 1477-79; United States v. Contreras, 776 F.2d 51 (2d Cir. 1985); United States v. Hazime, 762 F.2d 34, 37 (6th Cir. 1985); United States v. Mosuro, 648 F. Supp. 316, 318 (D.D.C. 1986)); see also United States v. Tedder, 903 F. Supp. 344, 345 (N.D.N.Y. 1995).

 

Burden of Proof At Detention Hearing: In a pretrial detention hearing, the government's burden is to establish by clear and convincing evidence that no conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community. Rodriguez, 897 F. Supp. at 1463 (citing United States v. Orta, 760 F.2d 887 (8th Cir. 1985); see also United States v. Arena, 894 F. Supp. 580, 585-86 (N.D.N.Y. 1995)(citing United States v. Chimurenga, 760 F.2d 400, 405 (2d Cir. 1985). "The issue in such a hearing is whether releasing a defendant would pose a danger to the community that would not exist were [the defendant] detained." Rodriguez, 897 F. Supp. at 1463 (citing United States v. Phillips, 732 F. Supp. 255, 267 (D.Mass. 1990), reh'g denied, 952 F.2d 591 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 113 S.Ct. 113 (1992); see also United States v. Smith, 79 F.3d 1208, 1209 (D.C.Cir.1996) (per curiam); United States v. Portes, 786 F.2d 758 (7th Cir. 1985); United States v. Orta, 760 F.2d 887 (8th Cir. 1985).

 

The standard is different when the issue is whether any conditions of release will reasonably assure the defendant's attendance at trial (risk of flight); the government need only prove that there are no such conditions by a "preponderance of the evidence." See United States v. Tedder, 903 F. Supp. 344, 345 (N.D.N.Y. 1995)(citing United States v. Martir, 782 F.2d 1141, 1146 (2d Cir. 1986)); 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c). It is not necessary that the government prove both flight risk and danger to the community to warrant detention. See United States v. Flores, 856 F. Supp. 1400, 1401 (E.D.Cal. 1994).

 

Requirements For The Contents Of Release and Detention Orders: Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142(h) lists the requirements for the contents of a "release order." Title 18, United States Code, Section 3142(g) lists the requirements for the contents of a "detention order," including the requirement of "written findings of fact and a written statement of the reasons for detention."

 

Bail Application Following Pretrial Detention: When a defendant moves for release on bail following pretrial detention, the court must consider three factors: "(1) the length of the pretrial detention; (2) the extent to which the prosecution is responsible for the delay of the trial; and (3) the strength of the evidence upon which the pretrial detention was based." United States v. Roseto, 1995 WL 350815 (S.D.N.Y., June 9, 1995)(Memorandum Decision)(citing United States v. Millan, 4 F.3d 1038, 1043 (2d Cir. 1993)(citations omitted)).

 

Regarding the length of pretrial detention, there is no doubt that the longer the pretrial detention the more likely the denial of due process. Typically, this factor weighs in favor of the moving defendant. See, e.g., United States v. Gonzales-Claudio, 806 F.2d 334, 341 (2d Cir. 1986)("detention that has lasted for fourteen months and, without speculation, is scheduled to last considerably longer, points strongly to a denial of due process"). This factor by itself, however, is not determinative of a defendant's bail application. See Millan, 4 F.3d at 1044 (pretrial detention period of 30-31 months a factor in defendant's favor but not dispositive); see also United States v. Melendez-Carrion, 820 F.2d 56 (2d Cir. 1987)(pretrial detention period of 19 months did not violate defendant's due process rights).

Regarding the reason or "responsibility" for delay factor, the court will consider information relating to pretrial events such as motions for continuance, discovery disputes, complexity of the case, plea discussions, and other matters relating to the progress (or lack thereof) of the case. See, e.g., Roseto.

 

Regarding the reasons for the pretrial detention, the court will examine the findings from the detention hearing.

 

Considerations Regarding Breach of A Condition of Bond: Title 18, United States Code, Sections 3146 through 3148 describe the penalties a defendant may be subject to for: (1) failure to appear at any proceeding as required (Section 3146); (2) committing an offense while on pretrial release (Section 3147); and (3) violating any condition of pretrial release (which includes the sanction of bond revocation)(Section 3148). In addition, Title 18, United States Code, Section 3149 empowers a surety with arrest authority over offenders, and requires that the surety promptly deliver the offender to the custody of the United States Marshal for proceedings under Section 3148. In this instance, judicial officers are also bound by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 46.

 

Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 46(e) provides that "[i]f there is a breach of condition of a bond, the district court shall declare a forfeiture of the bail." F.R.Crim.P. 46(e). This language is broad, and reaches any condition of release. See United States v. Gigante, 166 F.R.D. 3, 4 (E.D.N.Y. 1996). The Bail Reform Act of 1984 does not supersede Rule 46(e). Gigante, 166 F.R.D. at 4 (citing United States v. Vaccaro, 51 F.3d 189 (9th Cir. 1995); United States v. Dunn, 781 F.2d 447 (5th Cir. 1986); and by way of implication United States v. Dudley, 62 F.3d 1275, 1278 (10th Cir. 1995); United States v. Patriarca, 948 F.2d 789, 793 (1st Cir. 1991); United States v. Santiago, 826 F.2d 499 (7th Cir. 1987). "'[T]here is no conflict between Rule 46(e) and the Bail Reform Act; the Rule and the Act are complementary and form a unified system dealing with pretrial release.'" Gigante, 166 F.R.D. at 6 (quoting Vaccaro, 51 F.3d at 192 and Dunn, 781 F.2d at 450 n.9.

 

Considerations Regarding A Defendant's Appeal of Detention Order: When a defendant seeks review of a magistrate judge's order of detention, the district court is bound to review the matter de novo, and undertake a complete review of the matter for the purpose of arriving at its own "independent conclusion." See United States v. Duncan, 897 F. Supp. 688, 689-90 (N.D.N.Y. 1995)(citing United States v. Leon, 766 F.2d 77, 80 (2d Cir. 1985)); see also United States v. King, 849 F.2d 485, 489-91 (11th Cir. 1988); United States v. Williams, 753 F.2d 329, 331 (4th Cir. 1985). 18 U.S.C. § 3145(a)-(c).

 

Miscellaneous Sections: Other provisions of Title 18 are relevant to matters concerning release and detention in criminal cases. For example, Section 3143 contains the framework for release or detention of a defendant pending sentence or appeal. Likewise, Section 3144 pertains to the release or detention of a material witness. Finally, Sections 3150 and 3151 discuss the applicability of the Bail Reform Act to those State cases which are removed to Federal Court, and the issue of forfeited bail.

 

 

Title 18 § 3142

 

(a) In General.— Upon the appearance before a judicial officer of a person charged with an offense, the judicial officer shall issue an order that, pending trial, the person be—

(1) released on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond, under subsection (b) of this section;

(2) released on a condition or combination of conditions under subsection (c) of this section;

(3) temporarily detained to permit revocation of conditional release, deportation, or exclusion under subsection (d) of this section; or

(4) detained under subsection (e) of this section.

(b) Release on Personal Recognizance or Unsecured Appearance Bond.— The judicial officer shall order the pretrial release of the person on personal recognizance, or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond in an amount specified by the court, subject to the condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during the period of release, unless the judicial officer determines that such release will not reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required or will endanger the safety of any other person or the community.

(c) Release on Conditions.—

(1) If the judicial officer determines that the release described in subsection (b) of this section will not reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required or will endanger the safety of any other person or the community, such judicial officer shall order the pretrial release of the person—

(A) subject to the condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during the period of release; and

(B) subject to the least restrictive further condition, or combination of conditions, that such judicial officer determines will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community, which may include the condition that the person—

(i) remain in the custody of a designated person, who agrees to assume supervision and to report any violation of a release condition to the court, if the designated person is able reasonably to assure the judicial officer that the person will appear as required and will not pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community;

(ii) maintain employment, or, if unemployed, actively seek employment;

(iii) maintain or commence an educational program;

(iv) abide by specified restrictions on personal associations, place of abode, or travel;

(v) avoid all contact with an alleged victim of the crime and with a potential witness who may testify concerning the offense;

(vi) report on a regular basis to a designated law enforcement agency, pretrial services agency, or other agency;

(vii) comply with a specified curfew;

(viii) refrain from possessing a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon;

(ix) refrain from excessive use of alcohol, or any use of a narcotic drug or other controlled substance, as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802), without a prescription by a licensed medical practitioner;

(x) undergo available medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment, including treatment for drug or alcohol dependency, and remain in a specified institution if required for that purpose;

(xi) execute an agreement to forfeit upon failing to appear as required, property of a sufficient unencumbered value, including money, as is reasonably necessary to assure the appearance of the person as required, and shall provide the court with proof of ownership and the value of the property along with information regarding existing encumbrances as the judicial office may require;

(xii) execute a bail bond with solvent sureties; who will execute an agreement to forfeit in such amount as is reasonably necessary to assure appearance of the person as required and shall provide the court with information regarding the value of the assets and liabilities of the surety if other than an approved surety and the nature and extent of encumbrances against the surety’s property; such surety shall have a net worth which shall have sufficient unencumbered value to pay the amount of the bail bond;

(xiii) return to custody for specified hours following release for employment, schooling, or other limited purposes; and

(xiv) satisfy any other condition that is reasonably necessary to assure the appearance of the person as required and to assure the safety of any other person and the community.

(2) The judicial officer may not impose a financial condition that results in the pretrial detention of the person.

(3) The judicial officer may at any time amend the order to impose additional or different conditions of release.

(d) Temporary Detention To Permit Revocation of Conditional Release, Deportation, or Exclusion.— If the judicial officer determines that—

(1) such person—

(A) is, and was at the time the offense was committed, on—

(i) release pending trial for a felony under Federal, State, or local law;

(ii) release pending imposition or execution of sentence, appeal of sentence or conviction, or completion of sentence, for any offense under Federal, State, or local law; or

(iii) probation or parole for any offense under Federal, State, or local law; or

(B) is not a citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 (a)(20)); and

(2) such person may flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community;

such judicial officer shall order the detention of such person, for a period of not more than ten days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and direct the attorney for the Government to notify the appropriate court, probation or parole official, or State or local law enforcement official, or the appropriate official of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. If the official fails or declines to take such person into custody during that period, such person shall be treated in accordance with the other provisions of this section, notwithstanding the applicability of other provisions of law governing release pending trial or deportation or exclusion proceedings. If temporary detention is sought under paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, such person has the burden of proving to the court such person’s United States citizenship or lawful admission for permanent residence.

(e) Detention.— If, after a hearing pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section, the judicial officer finds that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community, such judicial officer shall order the detention of the person before trial. In a case described in subsection (f)(1) of this section, a rebuttable presumption arises that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community if such judicial officer finds that—

(1) the person has been convicted of a Federal offense that is described in subsection (f)(1) of this section, or of a State or local offense that would have been an offense described in subsection (f)(1) of this section if a circumstance giving rise to Federal jurisdiction had existed;

(2) the offense described in paragraph (1) of this subsection was committed while the person was on release pending trial for a Federal, State, or local offense; and

(3) a period of not more than five years has elapsed since the date of conviction, or the release of the person from imprisonment, for the offense described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, whichever is later.

Subject to rebuttal by the person, it shall be presumed that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of the community if the judicial officer finds that there is probable cause to believe that the person committed an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), or the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 App. U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), an offense under section 924 (c), 956 (a), or 2332b of this title, or an offense listed in section 2332b (g)(5)(B) of title 18, United States Code, for which a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years or more is prescribed or an offense involving a minor victim under section 1201, 1591, 2241, 2242, 2244 (a)(1), 2245, 2251, 2251A, 2252 (a)(1), 2252 (a)(2), 2252 (a)(3), 2252A (a)(1), 2252A (a)(2), 2252A (a)(3), 2252A (a)(4), 2260, 2421, 2422, 2423, or 2425 of this title.

(f) Detention Hearing.— The judicial officer shall hold a hearing to determine whether any condition or combination of conditions set forth in subsection (c) of this section will reasonably assure the appearance of such person as required and the safety of any other person and the community—

(1) upon motion of the attorney for the Government, in a case that involves—

(A) a crime of violence, or an offense listed in section 2332b (g)(5)(B) for which a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years or more is prescribed;

(B) an offense for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment or death;

(C) an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed in the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), or the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 App. U.S.C. 1901 et seq.); or

(D) any felony if such person has been convicted of two or more offenses described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of this paragraph, or two or more State or local offenses that would have been offenses described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of this paragraph if a circumstance giving rise to Federal jurisdiction had existed, or a combination of such offenses; or

(2) upon motion of the attorney for the Government or upon the judicial officer’s own motion in a case, that involves—

(A) a serious risk that such person will flee; or

(B) a serious risk that such person will obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice, or threaten, injure, or intimidate, or attempt to threaten, injure, or intimidate, a prospective witness or juror.

The hearing shall be held immediately upon the person’s first appearance before the judicial officer unless that person, or the attorney for the Government, seeks a continuance. Except for good cause, a continuance on motion of such person may not exceed five days (not including any intermediate Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday), and a continuance on motion of the attorney for the Government may not exceed three days (not including any intermediate Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday). During a continuance, such person shall be detained, and the judicial officer, on motion of the attorney for the Government or sua sponte, may order that, while in custody, a person who appears to be a narcotics addict receive a medical examination to determine whether such person is an addict. At the hearing, such person has the right to be represented by counsel, and, if financially unable to obtain adequate representation, to have counsel appointed. The person shall be afforded an opportunity to testify, to present witnesses, to cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing, and to present information by proffer or otherwise. The rules concerning admissibility of evidence in criminal trials do not apply to the presentation and consideration of information at the hearing. The facts the judicial officer uses to support a finding pursuant to subsection (e) that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence. The person may be detained pending completion of the hearing. The hearing may be reopened, before or after a determination by the judicial officer, at any time before trial if the judicial officer finds that information exists that was not known to the movant at the time of the hearing and that has a material bearing on the issue whether there are conditions of release that will reasonably assure the appearance of such person as required and the safety of any other person and the community.

(g) Factors To Be Considered.— The judicial officer shall, in determining whether there are conditions of release that will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community, take into account the available information concerning—

(1) the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, including whether the offense is a crime of violence, or an offense listed in section 2332b (g)(5)(B) for which a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years or more is prescribed or involves a narcotic drug;

(2) the weight of the evidence against the person;

(3) the history and characteristics of the person, including—

(A) the person’s character, physical and mental condition, family ties, employment, financial resources, length of residence in the community, community ties, past conduct, history relating to drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and record concerning appearance at court proceedings; and

(B) whether, at the time of the current offense or arrest, the person was on probation, on parole, or on other release pending trial, sentencing, appeal, or completion of sentence for an offense under Federal, State, or local law; and

(4) the nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or the community that would be posed by the person’s release. In considering the conditions of release described in subsection (c)(1)(B)(xi) or (c)(1)(B)(xii) of this section, the judicial officer may upon his own motion, or shall upon the motion of the Government, conduct an inquiry into the source of the property to be designated for potential forfeiture or offered as collateral to secure a bond, and shall decline to accept the designation, or the use as collateral, of property that, because of its source, will not reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required.

(h) Contents of Release Order.— In a release order issued under subsection (b) or (c) of this section, the judicial officer shall—

(1) include a written statement that sets forth all the conditions to which the release is subject, in a manner sufficiently clear and specific to serve as a guide for the person’s conduct; and

(2) advise the person of—

(A) the penalties for violating a condition of release, including the penalties for committing an offense while on pretrial release;

(B) the consequences of violating a condition of release, including the immediate issuance of a warrant for the person’s arrest; and

(C) sections 1503 of this title (relating to intimidation of witnesses, jurors, and officers of the court), 1510 (relating to obstruction of criminal investigations), 1512 (tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant), and 1513 (retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant).

(i) Contents of Detention Order.— In a detention order issued under subsection (e) of this section, the judicial officer shall—

(1) include written findings of fact and a written statement of the reasons for the detention;

(2) direct that the person be committed to the custody of the Attorney General for confinement in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal;

(3) direct that the person be afforded reasonable opportunity for private consultation with counsel; and

(4) direct that, on order of a court of the United States or on request of an attorney for the Government, the person in charge of the corrections facility in which the person is confined deliver the person to a United States marshal for the purpose of an appearance in connection with a court proceeding.

The judicial officer may, by subsequent order, permit the temporary release of the person, in the custody of a United States marshal or another appropriate person, to the extent that the judicial officer determines such release to be necessary for preparation of the person’s defense or for another compelling reason.

(j) Presumption of Innocence.— Nothing in this section shall be construed as modifying or limiting the presumption of innocence

 

 

 

 

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