Opinion ID: 18084
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: analysis

Text: Townsend urges this Court to reverse his convictions based upon the district court’s denial of his request for pretrial release on bond. Townsend contends that the lower court’s decision to deny him pretrial release was erroneous and resulted in severe prejudice to his defense. Townsend concedes that pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142 there is a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the accused and the community’s safety if the court finds there is probable cause to believe that he committed an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is prescribed. Townsend asserts, however, that he satisfied that burden by showing that he had significant ties to the community. Townsend also maintains that his illiteracy and incarceration before trial prevented him from meaningfully participating in his defense. We find that Townsend’s contentions are without merit. Townsend claims that his pretrial incarceration has unfairly prejudiced his defense. Townsend, however, does not state what evidence or arguments he was prohibited from advancing. Moreover, he fails to explain an specific instance where his illiteracy and pretrial incarceration prevented him from participating in his defense. Therefore, we hold that Townsend is not entitled to a reversal of his convictions based upon the district court’s denial of his request for pretrial release on bond. 15 D. Voice Identification