Opinion ID: 2167010
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Breach of Release Separate Statutory Crime

Text: The primary issue presented on appeal is whether the outcome of the underlying offense has any effect upon the statutory offense of breach of condition of release. Although the question presented in this appeal appears to be an issue of first impression for Delaware, other jurisdictions have held that a violation of a bond condition is a separate and distinct offense that is not dependent upon the outcome of the underlying charge. See, e.g., State v. DeAtley, 11 Kan. App.2d 605, 731 P.2d 318, 323 (1987); Small v. State, Tex.App., 692 S.W.2d 536, 540 (1985); People v. Holcombe, 89 A.D.2d 644, 453 N.Y.S.2d 126, 127 (1982); State v. Aranda, 94 N.M. 784, 617 P.2d 173, 176 (1980); Williams v. United States, D.C.App., 331 A.2d 341, 342 (1975); People v. Minefee, 14 Ill.App.3d 796, 303 N.E.2d 591, 594 (1973). We find the rationale of those cases to be persuasive. The General Assembly has broad authority to define crimes. Taylor v. State, Del.Supr., 679 A.2d 449, 454 (1996). Subject to State and Federal Constitutional limitations, the creation and definition of crimes under Delaware law is a matter for legislative enactment either through the `Criminal Code or by another law.' Id. ( quoting 11 Del.C. § 202(a)). Consequently, we hold that the Superior Court properly sentenced Eaton for the offense of failure to comply with the conditions of release in his bail bond, even though Eaton was acquitted of the assault charge that led to his arrest and release on bail. See 11 Del.C. § 2113(c)(1). [2] Eaton was released on secured bond and awaiting trial on the assault charge when he knowingly violated a condition of his bond by having contact with Callahan, the alleged victim of the assault. The fact that Eaton was acquitted of the underlying felony offense of Assault in the Second Degree had no effect on the separate and distinct offense of noncompliance with a condition of release in his bail bond. Eaton's conviction was supported by the evidence and his sentence was within the statutory limits for the felony offense of noncompliance. It will not be disturbed by this Court on appeal. Siple v. State, Del.Supr., 701 A.2d 79, 83 (1997); Mayes v. State, Del.Supr., 604 A.2d 839, 842 (1992).