Source: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/483/1068/155665/
Timestamp: 2020-01-25 16:55:44
Document Index: 198141100

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 3147', '§ 3146', '§ 3146', '§ 812', '§ 952', '§ 952', '§ 2', '§ 841', '§ 846', '§ 2', '§ 846', '§ 2']

United States of America, Appellee, v. Harold Wright, Appellant, 483 F.2d 1068 (4th Cir. 1973) :: Justia
Justia › US Law › Case Law › Federal Courts › Courts of Appeals › Fourth Circuit › 1973 › United States of America, Appellee, v. Harold Wright, Appellant
United States of America, Appellee, v. Harold Wright, Appellant, 483 F.2d 1068 (4th Cir. 1973)
US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit - 483 F.2d 1068 (4th Cir. 1973) Argued Aug. 16, 1973. Decided Sept. 7, 1973
The scope of our inquiry is delineated by provisions of the Bail Reform Act of 1966. Accordingly, a denial of a motion to amend an order imposing conditions of release "shall be affirmed if it is supported by the proceedings below." 18 U.S.C. § 3147(b). Since we find adequate support for the district judge's action in the proceedings below, we find no merit in Wright's appeal and thus affirm the decision of the district court.
The primary purpose of bail is to insure the presence of the accused at his trial. Stack v. Boyle, 342 U.S. 1, 72 S. Ct. 1, 96 L. Ed. 3 (1951). In setting bail, courts should first consider release on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond of a specified amount, among other restrictions, before requiring cash bail or collateral. See 18 U.S.C. § 3146(a). But, should a judge determine that a release on recognizance, or unsecured bond, or on other less demanding restrictions, will not reasonably assure the appearance of the accused, he is obligated to impose a condition or combination of conditions of release which in his judgment gives that assurance. Thus, the fixing of the amount of bail is peculiarly a matter of discretion with the trial court. United States v. Radford, 361 F.2d 777 (4th Cir.), cert. den., 385 U.S. 877, 87 S. Ct. 158, 17 L. Ed. 2d 105 (1966); Kaufman v. United States, 325 F.2d 305 (9th Cir. 1963).
In determining which conditions of release will reasonably assure appearance, the judicial officer must consider the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, the weight of the evidence against the accused, the accused's family ties, employment, financial resources, character and mental condition, and his record of appearance at past court proceedings. 18 U.S.C. § 3146(b).
Cocaine is a Controlled Schedule II substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 812 (1972); its importation is prohibited by 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 963 (1972)
The defendant was charged with importation of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 952(a), 960(a) (1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2; possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a) (1); attempted importation of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 952, 960(a) (1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2; and attempt to possess with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a) (1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2