Source: https://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/pretrial-release-pennsylvania.aspx
Timestamp: 2020-01-18 08:47:24
Document Index: 283820140

Matched Legal Cases: ['art. 1', '§ 14', '§ 5702', '§ 5742', '§ 5748', '§ 5749', '§ 5746', '§ 11', '§ 780', '§ 916']

Pretrial Release | Pennsylvania
Issuing a citation is presumptive for 2nd degree misdemeanors, 1st degree driving under the influence and crimes punishable by no more than 90 days imprisonment. Citations can be issued after arrest by law enforcement officers. (R. Cr. P. 519 & 441)
State constitution and statute provide a presumption of pretrial release. Pretrial release can be denied for capital offenses and offenses punishable by life imprisonment. (Const. art. 1 § 14; 42 Pa. S. C. A. 5701)
Law allows release on personal recognizance or an unsecured appearance bond. Common conditions of release include: commercial surety, cash deposit, property bond, other secured bond, supervision and additional requirements. Electronic monitoring is authorized for defendants supervised by a pretrial services program. (42 C.S.A. § 5702 authorizes Cr. P. R., Rule 530, Rule 524, Rule 528 & Rule 527)
The Insurance Department regulates professional bondsmen. To be licensed, applicants cannot be employed as a law enforcement officer or in a penal institution, or be a person who derives profit from bondsmen. Any criminal offense can cause their license to be denied or revoked. (42 Pa. C. S. A. § 5742)
The premium rate a bail agent can charge is no more than 10 percent on bonds below $100, and 5 percent for each additional $100. They are prohibited from soliciting business in any court or tribunal. Bail agents cannot make arrangements with public officials. (42 Pa. C. S. A. § 5748; 42 Pa. C. S. A. § 5749)
After notification of their client’s failure to appear, a bail agent has 20 days to produce the defendant or provide an adequate reason why the defendant did not appear. Statute addresses standards for remission procedure. Unpaid forfeitures can result in the suspension of the agent’s authority to execute new bonds. (Pa. R. Crim. P. Rule 536; 42 Pa. C. S. A. § 5746)
Victims have the right to notification of pretrial release. (18 P.S. § 11.201(2) & (9))
Diversion programs authorized include: substance abuse programs; and substance abuse and mental health problem-solving courts. (35 P.S. § 780-117; 42 P.S. § 916)
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