Some people arrested for misdemeanors would be released on personal bond by default
What it does
The bill would make personal bond the default for defendants charged with a misdemeanor or a state jail felony. Personal bond means no money has to be posted to get out. A magistrate would have to find that releasing the person, with or without conditions, would not be enough to reasonably ensure the person appears in court and to protect the community, law enforcement, and the victim. The new rule would apply only to people arrested on or after the effective date of September 1, 2027.
What it means for your community
If someone in your city is arrested on a misdemeanor charge, the judge would release the person on personal bond unless the judge finds a risk that they will not appear in court or a safety risk. So fewer people would sit in jail waiting on a money bond they cannot post. The bill does not change how defendants charged with more serious offenses are handled.
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