Navigating Bail Reform in America: A State-by-State Overview
Executive Summary
The practical application of the U.S. bail system is a complex issue that intersects with overcrowded jails, socioeconomic disparities, and public safety concerns. To better understand how these issues vary from state to state and to observe trends and areas of opportunities, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of bail reform laws across all 50 states. This analysis sheds light on the landscape of pretrial justice in the United States, outlines current trends in bail reform, and explores how states can expect bail discussions to progress moving forward.
Several key areas of opportunity emerged in our analysis, including expanding immediate-release options, defining time limits for setting bail, using pretrial risk assessments, and encouraging the presumption of unsecured release. Some important secondary issues also emerged, including considering a defendant’s ability to pay bail, emphasizing the need for statewide pretrial services, and expanding the types of offenses that are eligible for preventive detention. Additional opportunities for improvement include integrating needs assessments and pretrial support. Collectively, these themes suggest that there is value in shifting away from the traditional cash bail system and moving toward a more equitable, efficient, and data-driven pretrial justice framework.
Although these themes provide a guide for reform, the path to a more effective bail system will likely face challenges driven by political dynamics and evolving public sentiment. To navigate this landscape, policymakers should strive for balanced, common-sense solutions, drawing inspiration from data and successful models in other states. Achieving meaningful change in the bail system will require careful consideration, bipartisan dialogue, and a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges within the U.S. pretrial justice system.
Navigating Bail Reform in America
Achieving meaningful change in the bail system will require careful consideration, bipartisan dialogue, and a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges within the U.S. pretrial justice system.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definitions
- History of Bail
- Current Political Landscape
- Study Purpose and Methodology
- Find your State: Analysis of the 50 States
- Key Themes
- The Future of Bail
- Conclusion
For general and media inquiries and to book our experts, please contact: pr@rstreet.org.
Introduction
Definitions
History of Bail
Current Political Landscape
Study Purpose, Rubric, and Methodology
State-by-State Breakdown
Find your state and compare data across states. If you have questions about sources and citations, or need more information about state laws and statutes, please contact the report author, Lisel Petis, at lpetis@rstreet.org.
Alabama
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 5,074,296 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 73.7% of 14,589 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance (primary purpose) Safety of another Safety of the public | Ala. Code § 15-13-102 Ala. R. Crim. P. Rule 7.2 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule Delegated release Cite and release Must be fixed on warrant | Ala. R. Crim. P. Rule 4.3 Ala. Code § 15-13-104 Ala. Code § 15-13-105 |
Time Limits | Within 24 hours | Ala. Code § 15-13-106 |
Bail Factors Considered | May consider specific factors | Ala. R. Crim. P. Rule 7.2 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | Ala. Code § 15-13-111 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond: -Murder -Sex offenses -Prior felony conviction(s) -Currently under supervision or on bail -Prior bail violation -Other specific offenses | Ala. R. Crim. P. Rule 7.2 |
Bond Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably necessary to ensure | Ala. Code § 15-13-146 Ala. R. Crim. P. Rule 7.2 Ala. R. Crim. P. Rule 7.3 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay | No direction | |
Preventive Detention Eligible | Serious offenses → Standard: Clear and convincing | Ala. Const. Art. I, Sec. 16 Ala. Code § 15-13-3 |
Bail Reconsideration | 90 days | Ala. R. Crim. P. Rule 7.4 |
Alaska
category | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 733,583 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | N/a | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule (limited) | Alaska R. Crim. Proc. 41 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 24 hours) | Alaska R. Crim. Proc. 5 Alaska Stat. § 12.25.150 |
Bail Factors Considered | Must consider any relevant factors | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 Alaska Stat. § 33.07.010 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Alaska R. Crim. Proc. 41 Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk Rebuttable presumption of secured bond for: -Serious offenses -Sex offenses -Prior felony conviction -Currently under supervision or on bail -DV with previous conviction -Other specific offenses | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 |
Bail Conditions Limits | Least restrictive Reasonably necessary to ensure | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 Alaska Stat. § 33.07.010 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.011 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Alaska Const. Art. I, § 11 |
Bail Reconsideration | 48 hours | Alaska Stat. § 12.30.006 |
Arizona
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 7,359,197 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 79.6% of 13,248 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3961 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor only) | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3903 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 24 hours) | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3897 Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3898 |
Bail Factors Considered | Must consider specific factors | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3967 Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.2 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider, if available | Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.2 Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.3 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.1 Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.3 Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 20-1534 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3967 |
Bail Conditions | Least onerous Individualized Reasonably necessary to ensure | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3967 Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3972 Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.2 Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.3 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.3 |
Special Considerations | Felony sex offenses—shall impose electronic monitoring when released | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3967 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.3 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses Sex offenses Serious offenses (by undocumented immigrant only) → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Any felony → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND clear and convincing evidence of substantial danger Other specific offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND no condition will reasonably ensure safety | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3961 Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.2 Ariz. Const. Art. II, § 22 |
Bail Reconsideration | 10 days (misdemeanor only) Upon request (felony) | Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7.4 |
Arkansas
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 3,045,637 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 66.5% of 8,842 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance | Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.2 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor only) | Ark. R. Crim. P. 5.2 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Ark. R. Crim. P. 8.1 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors (appearance only) | Ark. R. Crim. P. 8.5 Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.2 |
Pretrial Risk Assessments | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.1 Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.2 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Secured/unsecured bond, limit on use of monetary conditions: to ensure appearance only | Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.2 A.C.A. § 17-19-110 |
Bail Condition Limits | Reasonably necessary to ensure | Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.1 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.1 Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.3 |
Special Considerations | Human trafficking—must agree to electronic home monitor, secured bond, and other protections for the victim | Ark. Code Ann. § 16-84-117 |
Ability to Pay Considered | May consider financial resources | Ark. R. Crim. P. 9.2 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Ark. Const. Art. 2, § 8 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
California
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 39,029,342 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial detention population | 59.2% of 80,215 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public (primary purpose) | Cal. Pen. Code § 1275 Cal. Const. Art. I, § 28 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule Must be fixed on warrant Cite and release (misdemeanors) | Cal. Pen. Code § 1269b Cal. Pen. Code § 815a Cal. Pen. Code § 836.5 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | Cal. Pen. Code § 825 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Cal. Pen. Code § 1275 |
Pretrial Risk Assessments | May consider, if available Use limited | Cal. Pen. Code § 1275 Cal. Pen. Code § 1318.1 Cal. Pen. Code § 1320.35 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | Cal. Pen. Code § 1270 Cal. Ins. Code § 1810 Cal. Pen. Code § 1269 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR for misdemeanors subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk Presumption of secured bond—serious felony and violent offenses and violations of protection orders → Standard: “Unusual circumstances” | Cal. Pen. Code § 1269c Cal. Pen. Code § 1270.1 Cal. Pen. Code § 1275 |
Bail Condition Limits | Reasonably necessary to ensure | Cal. Pen. Code § 1270 |
Pretrial Services | Available Statewide | Budget Act of 2022 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | No direction | |
Preventive Detention | Capital crimes (mandatory) → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Violent offenses, sex offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND clear and convincing evidence of substantial likelihood release would result in great bodily harm to others Any felony → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND clear and convincing evidence that person threatened another with great bodily harm and there is substantial likelihood that the person would carry out the threat if released. | Cal. Const. Art. I, § 12 Cal. Pen. Code § 1270.5 |
Bail Reconsideration | Five days | Cal. Pen. Code § 1270.2 |
Colorado
Category | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State population | 5,839,926 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 59.8% of 13,811 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-103 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule Cite and release (non-DV misdemeanors only) Must be fixed on warrant | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-103 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-3-105 Colo. R. Crim. P. 4 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-102 |
Bail Factors | May consider specific factors | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-103 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider, if available | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-103 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-104 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond if: -Currently on bail -Previous conviction (with time limit) -Previous FTA (with time limit) Mandatory ROR if low-level misdemeanor, unless flight or safety risk identified by specific factors | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-104 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-113 |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably necessary to ensure Individualized Tailored to address specific concerns | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-103 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-105 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-106 |
Special Considerations | Court shall consider the defendant’s pregnancy or postpartum status when setting bond | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-103 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-103 |
Preventive Detention Eligible | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Violent crime while under supervision for a violent crime, on bail for violent crime, or prior felony convictions → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND public would be placed in significant peril if released | Colo. Const. Art. II, § 19 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-101 |
Bail Reconsideration | After seven days | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-4-107 |
Connecticut
CATEGORY | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State population | 3,626,205 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | N/a | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another person Safety of the public | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-64a |
Release Before First Appearance | Delegated release Must be fixed on warrant | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63c Conn. Practice Book § 36-3 Conn. Practice Book § 38-2 |
Time Limits | Without undue delay | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63c Conn. Practice Book § 38-1 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63b |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63b |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63d Conn. Practice Book § 38-3 Conn. Practice Book § 38-8 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory unsecured bond for misdemeanor unless DV or flight or safety risk Mandatory secured bond for DV offense with firearm | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63c Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63d Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-64a Conn. Practice Book § 38-3 |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably necessary to ensure | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63b Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-64a Conn. Practice Book § 38-3 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-63d |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-64a |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Conn. Const. Art. I., § 8 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-53 |
Bail Reconsideration | 14 days (misdemeanor) 30 days (low-level felony) 45 days (high-level felonies) | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-53a |
Delaware
category | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,018,396 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | N/a | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Compliance with conditions Judicial integrity | Del. J. P. Ct. Crim. R. 46 Del. Super. Ct. Crim. R. Appx., Special Rules, R. 5.2 Del. Code tit. 11, § 2101 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor only) | Del. Code tit. 11, § 1908 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 24 hours) | Del. Code tit. 11, § 1909 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Del. Code tit. 11, § 2105 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider, if available | Del. Code tit. 11, § 2104 Del. Super. Ct. Crim. R. Appx., Special Rules, R. 5.2 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Del. Code tit. 11, § 2104 Del. Super. Ct. Crim. R. Appx., Special Rules, R. 5.2 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Presumption of secured bond for: -Serious offenses -Violent offenses -Sex offenses -DV -Others | Del. Code tit. 11, § 2107 Del. Code tit. 11, § 2105 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Least restrictive | Del. Code tit. 11, § 2104 Del. Code tit. 11, § 2108 Del. Super. Ct. Crim. R. Appx., Special Rules, R. 5.2 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Del. Super. Ct. Crim. R. Appx., Special Rules, R. 5.2 Del. Code tit. 11, § 2108 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Del. Super. Ct. Crim. R. Appx., Special Rules, R. 5.2 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof positive or presumption great Other specific offenses (General Assembly has not expressly prescribed) → Standard: Proof positive or presumption great AND clear and convincing that no condition will reasonably ensure purpose of bail | Del. Code tit. 11, § 2103 Del. Const. Art. I, § 12 |
Reconsideration of Bail | 72 hours, review shall occur within 10 days | Del. Code tit. 11, § 2110 Del. Super. Ct. Crim. R. Appx., Special Rules, R. 5.3 |
Florida
category | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 22,244,823 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 58.4% of 61,413 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of the public Judicial Integrity | Fla. Stat. § 903.046 Fla. Const. Art. I, § 14 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule | Fla. Stat. § 903.011 |
Time Limits | Within 24 hours | Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.132 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors | Fla. Stat. § 903.046 Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.131 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required (for specific circumstances only) | Fla. Stat. § 907.041 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.131 Fla. Stat. § 648.42 |
Limits Types of Bail | Presumption of unsecured bond unless “dangerous crime” Mandatory secured bond at first appearance -Serious offenses -Violent offenses -Sexual offenses -Previous FTA -Other | Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.131 Fla. Stat. § 907.041 Fla. Stat. § 903.046 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Must follow list of progressive conditions | Fla. Stat. § 903.047 Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.131 |
Pretrial Service | As available | Fla. Stat. § 903.047 |
Special Considerations | Courts should consider the street value of the drugs when considering whether substantial bail is needed in drug cases | Fla. Stat. § 903.046 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Fla. Stat. § 903.046 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION & RULE Capital offense or life imprisonment offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Any crime if no conditions of release can reasonably ensure safety or court appearance. LIMITED BY STATUTE Violent offenses; other specific offenses prior bail violation; prior bail violation; currently under supervision or on bail; other specific factors → Standard: Substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense AND no condition can reasonably ensure safety or court appearance | Fla. Stat. § 907.041 Fla. Const. Art. I, § 14 Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.131 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
Georgia
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 10,912,876 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 59.2% of 42,357 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to another Safety to the public Prevent obstruction of justice | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1 |
Time Limits | Within 72 hours | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-4-26 Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 26.1 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factor | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 27.4 Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-12 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bail if: -Serious offenses -Sexual offenses -Violent offense -DV -Violation of bail (with time limit) -FTA (with time limit) -Other | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-12 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure (misdemeanor) Individualized | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1.1 Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 27 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1 |
Preventive Detention | Any felony with significant risk of flight or safety risk Rebuttable presumption of detention if serious violent felony and prior serious violent felony | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1 |
Bail Reconsideration | 30 days, and hearing within 30 days | Ga. Code Ann. § 17-6-1 |
Hawaii
category | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,440,196 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | N/a | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of the public | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-4 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-5 |
Release Before First Appearance | Delegated release | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-7 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Haw. R. Penal P. Rule 5 |
Bail Factors | May consider any relevant factors | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-9 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-9.5 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 353-10 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-9.5 |
Type of Bail Available | Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-9.5 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-11.5 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably necessary to ensure | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-4 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-5 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-9.5 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 353-6 |
Special Considerations | Any person who violates bail restrictions shall have bail revoked after hearing and shall be imprisoned | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-4 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-9 |
Preventive Detention | Serious felonies and serious risk of flight or safety Rebuttable presumption of serious risk of flight with a life imprisonment offense Rebuttable presumption of serious danger when: -Prior conviction of a serious violent crime (with time limit) -On bail for violent felony -Under supervision for a serious violent crime | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 804-3 |
Bail Reconsideration | At least every 3 months | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 353-6.2 |
Idaho
category | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,939,033 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 48.3% of 5,562 persons in jail in 2019 | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Judicial integrity | Idaho Code Ann. § 19-2902 Idaho Code Ann. § 19-2904 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule (misdemeanor) | Idaho M.C.R. Rule 13 |
Bail Factors | May consider specific factors | I.C.R. Rule 46 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 24 hours) | I.C.R. Rule 5 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May consider, if available | Idaho Code Ann. § 19-1910 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | I.C.R. Rule 46 |
Limit on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure | I.C.R. Rule 46 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Idaho Code Ann. § 31-3201J |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | May consider financial resources | I.C.R. Rule 46 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Idaho Const. Art. I, § 6 Idaho Code Ann. § 19-2903 I.C.R. Rule 46 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request only | I.C.R. Rule 46 |
Illinois
category | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 12,582,032 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Rate | 77.1% of 19,014 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice Compliance with conditions | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-2 |
Release Before First Appearance | Delegated release | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/109-1 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/109-1 |
Bail Factors | May consider any relevant factors (release) Must consider specific factors (condition) | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-6.1 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-5 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May consider Use limited | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-6.4 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-5 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 185/7 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-1.5 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Presumption of release | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-2 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure → Standard: -Clear and convincing -Least restrictive -Individualized -Directly tied to the risk | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-2 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-10 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 185/1 |
Special Considerations | Alternatives to custody must be explored for pregnant detainees Limitations on use for failure to appear as a factor Citation required in lieu of arrest for low-level misdemeanor unless (i) risk of safety, (ii) persistent criminal activity or (iii) risk to self Electronic monitoring or home confinement must be reviewed every 60 days | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-5.2 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-3 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/109-1 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-5 |
Ability to Pay Considered | N/a | |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offenses; life imprisonment offenses; and felony offenses requiring prison when risk of safety to another → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great LIMITED BY STATUTE Serious offenses, sex offenses, stalking, DV, gun offenses, other specific offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND clear and convincing evidence of risk of flight or safety | Ill. Const. Art. I, § 9 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-2 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-6.1 Illinois Const., Art. I, § 8.1 |
Bail Reconsideration | 48 hours | 725 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/110-5 |
Indiana
category | DEtail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 6,833,037 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 64.7% of 19,928 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-1 |
Release Before First Appearance | May be fixed on warrant | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-2-2 |
Time Limits | Promptly Without unnecessary delay | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-7-1 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-7-4 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-2-2 |
Bail Factors | May consider any relevant factors | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.8 Ind. R. Crim. P. 2.6 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.2 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.8 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-0. Ind. R. Crim. P. 2.6 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.2 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.9 Ind. R. Crim. P. 2.6 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Presumption of ROR unless preponderance of the evidence of flight or safety risk Mandatory secured bond: -Murder or treason -On bond -On supervision | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.2 Ind. R. Crim. P. 2.6 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.8 |
Bail Conditions | Necessary to ensure (court appearance) → Standard: Clear and convincing | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.2 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.2 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-3.3 |
Special Considerations | May detain individual on supervision for up to 15 days | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-6 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-4 |
Preventive Detention | Murder or treason → Standard: Preponderance of the evidence that proof evident or presumption strong | Ind. Const. Art. 1, § 17 Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-2 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Ind. Code Ann. § 35-33-8-5 |
Iowa
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 3,200,517 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 74.2% of 5,009 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to another | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule/guidelines (limited) Must be fixed on warrant Cite and release | Iowa Code § 804.21 Iowa Code § 805.1 Iowa Code § 804.22 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Iowa Code § 804.21 Iowa Code § 804.22 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Limit on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Must follow list of progressive conditions | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great STATUTE All are bailable (except after guilty plea) | Iowa Const. Art. I, § 12 Iowa Code § 811.1 |
Amending Bail | Upon request | Iowa Code § 811.2 |
Kansas
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 2,937,150 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 68.4% of 7,881 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of the public | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2802 |
Release Before First Appearance | Must be fixed in warrant | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2304 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2901 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2802 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2815 Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2816 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2802 Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2809b |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2802 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2814 Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2816 Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2802 |
Special Considerations | Trespass with restraining order violation may not post bond for 48 hours after arrest | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2901 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2802 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Kan. Const. B. of R. § 9 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2802 |
Kentucky
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 4,512,310 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 44.0% of 25,506 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to another | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.520 Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.066 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule (limited) Must be fixed on warrant | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.540 Ky. RCr Rule 4.20 Ky. RCr Rule 2.06 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Ky. RCr Rule 3.02 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Ky. RCr Rule 4.16 Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.525 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Ky. RCr Rule 4.06 Ky. RCr Rule 4.10 Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.515 Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.066 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.520 Ky. RCr Rule 4.04 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory unsecured bond or ROR if low flight or safety risk Mandatory unsecured bond or ROR with potential nonmonetary conditions if moderate flight or safety risk | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.066 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Least onerous | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.520 Ky. RCr Rule 4.12 Ky. RCr Rule 4.10 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | KRS § 431.515 |
Special Considerations | The court shall credit the defendant $100 per day served pretrial detention as a payment toward the bail amount set, unless defendant is found to present a flight or safety risk | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.066 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.525 Ky. RCr Rule 4.16 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Ky. Const. § 16 Ky. RCr Rule 4.02 |
Bail Reconsideration | 24 hours | Ky. RCr Rule 4.38 Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.520 |
Louisiana
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 4,590,241 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 49.2% of 29,488 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 316 La. C.Cr.P. Art. 320 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 315 |
Time Limits | Promptly (within 72 hours) | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 230.1 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 316 La. C.Cr.P. Art. 320 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 321 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bail for: violent crimes, sex offenses, DV, serious offenses, distribution of drugs, others | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 321 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably related to ensure | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 320 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | La. C.Cr.P. Art. 316 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offense → Standard: Proof evident and presumption great Other violent crimes or distribution of drugs → Standard: Proof evident and presumption great AND clear and convincing evidence of substantial risk of flight or safety LIMITED BY STATUTE DV, sex offenses, other specific offenses → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence of risk of flight or safety Violent crimes or distribution of drugs if only FTA Capital offense | La. Const. Art. I, § 18 La. C.Cr.P. Art. 313 La. C.Cr.P. Art. 312 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
Maine
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,385,340 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Jail Detention Population | 62.5% of 1,620 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Judicial integrity | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1002 |
Release Before First Appearance | May be fixed on warrant | Me. R. U. Crim. P. Rule 4 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | Me. R. U. Crim. P. Rule 5 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1026 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider DV assessment | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1026 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1026 Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1072 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR or unsecured bond for low-level, nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors (unless prior bail violations) | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1026 |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably necessary to ensure | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1002 Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1026 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1026 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1026 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Current or former capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great LIMITED BY STATUTE Former capital offenses → Standard: Probable cause of offense AND clear and convincing evidence of substantial risk of flight or safety | Me. Const. Art. I, § 10 Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1027 |
Bail Reconsideration | 48 hours | Me. Stat. tit. 15, § 1028 |
Maryland
CATEGORY | DEtail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 6,164,660 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 51.0% of 11,868 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to another Safety to the public Judicial integrity | Md. Rule 4-216.1 |
Release Before First Appearance | No direction | |
Time Limits | Without unnecessarily delay (within 24 hours) | Md. Rule 4-212 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Md. Rule 4-216.1 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required (validation required) | Md. Rule 4-216.1 Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 5-103 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Md. Rule 4-216.1 Md. Rule 4-217 Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 5-205 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk, except for serious and violent offenses Mandatory secured bond if: -Serious or violent crime and prior conviction of serious or violent crime -Serious or violent crime and on bail for serious or violent crime -Life imprisonment offenses Presumption of secured bond if: -Gun crime and prior violent or gun crime -Sex offender Monetary conditions may only ensure appearance and not used solely to prevent future criminal conduct or to protect safety nor may they be imposed to punish the defendant or to placate public opinion | Md. Rule 4-216.1 Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 5-101 Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 5-202 |
Bail Conditions | Least onerous Reasonably ensure Individualized | Md. Rule 4-216.1 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Md. Rule 4-216.1 |
Special Considerations | Predetermined bond schedule of amounts fixed according to the nature of the charge are not allowed To eliminate unnecessary detention, court shall supervise pretrial detention, requiring a weekly jail report listing all pretrial defendants in custody for more than seven days | Md. Rule 4-216.1 Md. Rule 4-216.3 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Md. Rule 4-216.1 |
Preventive Detention | Any offense Rebuttable presumption for detention: -Violent crime and prior conviction for violent crime -Gun crime and prior conviction for violent or gun crime -Serious or violent offense and on bail for serious or violent offense -Other specific offenses | Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 5-202 Md. Rule 4-216 |
Bail Reconsideration | Immediately, or as soon as court is in session | Md. Rule 4-216.2 |
Massachusetts
category | DETAIL | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 6,981,974 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 58.4% of 9,382 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety to the public | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 57 Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58 |
Release Before First Appearance | No direction | |
Time Limits | When court is next in session | ALM R. Crim. P. Rule 7 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 57 Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58 Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58A |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | Mass. Gen. Laws 276, § 58A |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond for election law violations | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 57 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Least restrictive | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 57 Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58 Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58A |
Pretrial Services | As available | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58A |
Special Considerations | Shall not be admitted to bail sooner than six hours after arrest, except by a judge in open court Must maintain a separate awaiting-trial unit for females | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 42A Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 125, § 16 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 57 Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses Violent felony or other specified offenses → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence that no condition will reasonably ensure safety | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58A |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 58 |
Michigan
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 10,034,113 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 53.9% of 16,776 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to the public | Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 765.6 |
Release Before First Appearance | May be fixed on warrant Police interim bond | MCR 6.102 Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 780.581 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | MCR 6.104 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors | MCR 6.106 Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 765.6 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Eligible | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | MCR 6.106 Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 765.6 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond: -Currently on bail -Prior felony conviction(s) (with time limit) | Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 765.6a |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure | MCR 6.106 Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 765.6b |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | MCR 6.106 |
Preventive Detention | Murder, treason, serious offenses (with limits), violent felony with priors (time limited) or while under supervision or bail → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 765.5 (found unconstitutional) MCR 6.106 Mich. Const. Art. I, § 15 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request only |
Minnesota
CATEGORY | DETAIL | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 5,717,184 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 66.9% of 6,950 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to the public | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.01 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 36 hours) | Minn. R. Crim. P. 4.02 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May consider, required in specific cases | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 Minn. Stat. § 629.74 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 Minn. Stat. § 629.70 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory PR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk | Minn. Stat. § 629.471 Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure Must follow list of progressive conditions | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 |
Special Considerations | A peace officer who willfully delays taking an arrested person before a judge is guilty of a gross misdemeanor Limits on amount of secured bail for misdemeanors | Minn. Stat. § 629.401 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Minn. Const. Art. I, § 7 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
Mississippi
CATEGORY | DETAIL | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 2,940,057 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 46.9% of 13,582 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-11 MRCrP 8.2 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor) Bond schedule May fix conditions on warrant | Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-11 Miss. Code Ann. § 99-3-18 MRCrP 3.2 MRCrP 5.1 |
Time Limits | Without necessary delay (within 48 hours) | Miss. Code Ann. § 99-3-17 MRCrP 5.2 MRCrP 5.1 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factor | MRCrP 8.2 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | MRCrP 8.1 MRCrP 8.4 Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-9 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Least onerous | MRCrP 8.2 MRCrP 8.4 Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-11 |
Pretrial Services | As available | MRCrP 8.4 |
Special Considerations | DV: Upon setting bail, the judge may impose a holding period not to exceed 24 hours Twice mistrialed on capital offense, shall be entitled to bail | Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-37 Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-35 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | MRCrP 8.2 Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-11 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses Prior serious felony conviction → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Felony and on bail for felony → Standard: Mandatory upon indictment or finding of probable cause Serious offense → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great and release of the person would constitute a special danger to another or the public or no condition can ensure appearance | Miss. Const. Art. 3, § 29 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request (ruled on within 48 hours) Automatic—90 days | Miss. Code Ann. § 99-5-11 MRCrP 8.5 |
Missouri
CATEGORY | Detail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 6,177,957 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 77.8% of 11,439 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice Comply with conditions | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.453 |
Release Before First Appearance | Must be fixed on warrant | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.02 Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 22.05 |
Time Limits | Within 48 hours | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 21.09 Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 22.07 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.453 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider, if available | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.455 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 374.700 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Individualized Reasonably necessary First consider nonmonetary | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.455 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.455 |
Special Considerations | Any person who intentionally refuses to release a defendant entitled to release or refuses to permit a defendant to consult with counsel, is guilty of a misdemeanor | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.170 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Any defendant who poses a danger to a crime victim, the community or any other person | Mo. Const. Art. I, § 20 Mo. Const. Art. I, § 32 Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.01 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.457 |
Bail Reconsideration | 24 hours (upon request) (hearing within seven days) | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 544.455 Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 33.05 |
Montana
CATEGORY | Detail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,122,867 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 57.0% of 2,437 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-106 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule (limited) May be fixed on warrant | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-302 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-302 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-7-101 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-301 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-109 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May consider | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-109 Mont. Code Ann. § 3-1-708 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-401 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-111 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Least restrictive | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-106 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-108 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-301 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-108 Mont. Code Ann. § 3-1-708 |
Special Considerations | Rebuttable presumption for electronic monitoring for: -Felony assault or strangulation on a partner or family member -Felony stalking -Felony violation of a protection order | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-108 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-301 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-109 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great LIMITED BY STATUTE Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident presumption great, probable cause AND adequate safeguards are not available to ensure appearance and safety | Mont. Const. Art. II, § 21 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-102 Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-106 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-311 |
Nebraska
CATEGORY | Detail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,967,923 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 73.7% of 4,210 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901.01 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule (limited) Cite and release (misdemeanor only) | Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1416 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901.05 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-422 |
Time Limits | No direction | |
Bail Factors | May consider specific factors | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901.01 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May consider, if available | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-903 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-909 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Partially secured bond | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901 Neb. R. Crim P. 46.1 |
Limit on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR or unsecured bond for low-level misdemeanors, unless: -DV -DUI -FTA (with time limit) -Flight or safety risk | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure Least onerous | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901.01 |
Pretrial Services | If available | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-903 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-909 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901.01 |
Preventive Detention | Treason, some sexual offenses, and murder → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Neb. Const. Art. I, § 9 |
Bail Reconsideration | 24 hours (upon request) | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901.03 |
Nevada
CATEGORY | DETAIL | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 3,177,772 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 64.1% of 8,395 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of the public | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4851 |
Release Before First Appearance | May be fixed on the warrant Delegated release (misdemeanor) | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 173.155 Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4847 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4849 Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 171.178 (72 hours found unconstitutional) |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4853 Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.498 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | 2019 ADKT 0539 Supreme Court Order |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4851 Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 697.040 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Presumption of ROR unless clear and convincing evidence monetary condition is necessary to protect against flight or safety risk | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4851 |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Necessary to ensure | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4851 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | DV—may not be admitted to bail before 12 hours after arrest or must follow statutory requirements for secured bail | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.484 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.498 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offenses or life imprisonment offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great LIMITED BY STATUTE Murder in the first degree → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Felony offense and currently under supervision | Nev. Const. Art. 1, § 7 Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.4851 Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 178.484 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | N.R.Cr.P. 5 |
New Hampshire
CATEGORY | DETAIL | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,395,231 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 43.3% of 1,987 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of the public Safety of the defendant | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
Release Before First Appearance | Delegated release | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:18 |
Time Limits | Without unreasonable delay (no later than 24-36 hours) | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 594:19-a N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 594:20-a N.H. R. Crim. Proc. Rule 4 |
Bail Factors | May consider all relevant factors | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Presumption of ROR or unsecured bond → Standard: Unless, preponderance of the evidence risk of flight if released Rebuttable presumption of secured bond if preponderance of the evidence FTA (with time limits and occurrence threshold) | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | Rebuttable presumption that an alleged victim of the crime shall not be required to testify at the bail hearing | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
Preventive Detention | Life imprisonment offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Presumption of detention for serious offenses, sexual offenses and under supervision for violent offense → Standard: Preponderance of the evidence no condition will ensure court appearance and safety DV → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence that release will endanger the safety of that person or the public | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:1-c N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:1-d |
Bail Reconsideration | 36 hours | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 597:2 |
New Jersey
CATEGORY | Detail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 9,261,699 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 57.3% of 8,568 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice Comply with conditions | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-15 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release | N.J. Court Rules, R. 3:4-1 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-17 N.J. Court Rules, R. 3:4-2 |
Bail Factors | May consider specific factors (detention) May consider any relevant factors (conditions) | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-20 N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-17 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-20 N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-25 N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-16 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-16 N.J. Stat. § 17:31-13 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Limits on use of monetary conditions: to ensure appearance only | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-15 N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-17 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure Least restrictive | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-16 N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-20 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-25 |
Special Considerations | Restrictions on type of secured bond used for specific offenses | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-12 |
Ability to Pay Considered | May consider | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-20 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION/COURT RULE Any crime → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence that no condition can reasonably ensure appearance or safety LIMITED BY STATUTE Serious crimes, two or more prior convictions of serious crimes, other specific offenses, or poses a flight or safety risk Presumption of detention when: • Murder, life imprisonment offenses or serious crime with specific limits →Standard: Preponderance of the evidence | N.J. Const. Art. I, Para. 11 N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-15 N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-20 |
Bail Reconsideration | 90 days | N.J. Stat. § 2A:162-22 |
New Mexico
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 2,113,344 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 74.8% of 7,139 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | 5-401 NMRA |
Release Before First Appearance | Delegated release Bond schedule (based on PRA) | 5-408 NMRA |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-1-5 5-210 NMRA |
Bail Factors | May consider specific factors | 5-401 NMRA |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider, if available | 5-401 NMRA |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | 5-401 NMRA |
Limits on Types of Bail | Presumption of ROR or unsecured bond Mandatory ROR before first appearance (unless exceptional circumstances) for: -Nonviolent misdemeanors and not under supervision -Based on risk assessment | 5-408 NMRA 5-401 NMRA |
Bail Conditions | Particularized reasons Reasonably ensure Least restrictive | 5-401 NMRA |
Pretrial Services | As available | 5-401 NMRA |
Special Considerations | Secured bond shall not be set by reference to a predetermined schedule of monetary amounts based on the nature of the charge | 5-401 NMRA |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | N.M. Const. Art. II, § 13 5-401 NMRA |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Any felony → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety | N.M. Const. Art. II, § 13 5-401 NMRA 5-409 NMRA |
Bail Reconsideration | 24 hours (hearing within five days) | 5-401 NMRA |
New York
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 19,677,151 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 66.3% of 19,055 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.10 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (limited warrant and for low-level offenses) | N.Y. CLS CPL § 140.27 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | N.Y. CLS CPL § 120.90 N.Y. CLS CPL § 140.27 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.10 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May use, if available (validation and nondiscriminatory requirements) | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.45 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | N.Y. CLS CPL § 520.10 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR subject to court discretion of flight risk, except for serious offenses, violent offenses, sexual offenses, felony while under supervision and other specific offenses | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.10 |
Bail Conditions | Individualized Reasonably ensure appearance | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.10 |
Pretrial Services | As available | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.45 |
Special Considerations | Requiring citation instead of arrest in certain low-level offenses | N.Y. CLS CPL § 150.20 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial circumstances | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.10 |
Preventive Detention | Murder Serious offenses Violent offenses Specific sex offenses Felony while on supervision Other specific offenses → Standard: Court’s discretion | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.10 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | N.Y. CLS CPL § 510.20 |
North Carolina
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 10,698,973 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 82.2% of 20,181 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to another Prevent obstruction of justice | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-534 |
Release Before First Appearance | No direction | |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-501 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-533 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-534 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must, if available | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-533 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-534 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-71-1 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Rebuttable presumption of secured bond or EHM if on bail, prior similar offense (with time limit) or other specified offenses Rebuttable presumption of secured bond or EHM if offense involving a firearm and: -On bail for offense involving firearm -Prior offense involving firearm (with time limits) | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-533 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-534 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-533 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-534 |
Preventive Detention | Any crime after involuntary commitment in a mental health facility Capital offenses, serious offenses, sexual offenses, offenses with firearms | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-533 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
North Dakota
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 779,261 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 74.2% of 1,499 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule May be fixed on warrant | N.D. Cent. Code, § 29-0 N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 48-03.1 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 5 N.D. Cent. Code, § 29-06-06 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 N.D. Cent. Code, § 26.1-26.6-01 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight risk | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure (appearance) Discretion | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 |
Pretrial Services | As available | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | N.D. Const. Art. I, § 11 |
Bail Reconsideration | 48 hours (upon request) | N.D.R. Crim. P. Rule 46 |
Ohio
CATEGORY | Detail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 11,756,058 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 64.9% of 19,103 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule (misdemeanor only) May be fixed on warrant | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2935.15 |
Time Limits | By the second court day following arrest | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Ohio Const. Art. I, § 9 Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.23 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably ensure | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offense → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Any felony → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND substantial risk of serious physical harm LIMITED BY STATUTE Murder, serious offenses or other specified offenses → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence of proof evident or presumption AND no condition can ensure court appearance or safety | Ohio Const. Art. I, § 9 Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.222 |
Bail Reconsideration | Second court day following the initial bail hearing (if not previously represented by counsel) | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2937.011 |
Oklahoma
CATEGORY | DETAIL | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 4,019,800 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 75.5% of 10,468 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of the public | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105.3 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule (limited) Delegated release (limited) | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105.2 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105.3 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 181 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider, if available | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105.3 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Okla. Stat. tit. 59, § 1334 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1108.1 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1106 Okla. Stat. tit. 59, § 1306 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond for DV and other specific offenses | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1101 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105.3 |
Bail Conditions | No direction | |
Pretrial Services | As available | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105.2 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1105.3 |
Special Considerations | If an escaped prisoner, the defendant must be processed back into the Department of Corrections prior to bail being set on new criminal charges | Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1101 |
Ability to Pay Considered | No direction | |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Violent offenses; life imprisonment offenses; felony with two or more prior felonies; and other specific offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great AND no condition of release would ensure safety Rebuttable presumption for detention for specific offenses → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence | Okla. Const. Art. 2, § 8 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1101 Okla. Stat. tit. 22, § 1102 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
Oregon
Category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 4,240,137 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 54.9% of 7,097 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.245 |
Release Before First Appearance | Bond schedule | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.233 |
Time Limits | Without undue delay (within 36 hours) | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.245 Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.010 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.230 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.235 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Partially secured bond Secured bond | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.233 Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.265 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk Mandatory secured bond for manufacturing or distributing methamphetamine and danger of flight or safety risk | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.245 Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.242 |
Bail Conditions | Least onerous Reasonably ensure Must follow list of progressive conditions | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.245 Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.265 Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.245 Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.260 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Or. Rev. Stat. § 161.355 |
Special Considerations | Defendant shall appear in person for felony arraignment; misdemeanors may appear in person or by counsel | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.030 |
Ability to Pay Considered | May consider financial resources | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.230 |
Preventive Detention | Murder or treason → Standard: Proof evident or presumption strong Violent felonies → Standard: Probable cause of crime AND clear and convincing evidence of risk of safety | Ore. Const. Art. I, § 14 Ore. Const. Art. I, § 43 Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.240 |
Bail Reconsideration | 48 hours (automatic) | Or. Rev. Stat. § 135.245 |
Pennsylvania
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 12,972,008 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 65.6% of 31,790 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to the public (detention only) Compliance with conditions | Pa. R. Crim. P. 523 Pa. R. Crim. P. 524 Pa. R. Crim. P. 526 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor) | Pa. R. Crim. P. 519 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Pa. R. Crim. P. 516 Pa. R. Crim. P. 519 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors | Pa. R. Crim. P. 523 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May consider, if available Limited use | 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2711 Pa. R. Crim. P. 523 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Pa. R. Crim. P. 524 Pa. R. Crim. P. 528 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure | Pa. R. Crim. P. 524 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Pa. R. Crim. P. 528 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses, life imprisonment offenses or any crime which no condition will reasonably ensure safety → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Pa. Const. Art. I, § 14 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5701 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
Rhode Island
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,093,734 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | N/a | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to the public | R.I. Super. R. Crim. P. 46 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.3 |
Release Before First Appearance | May be fixed on warrant Cite and release (misdemeanor) | R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-2 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-7-12 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | R.I. Super. R. Crim. P. 5 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors | R.I. Super. R. Crim. P. 46 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.3 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.3 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-24.1 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | R.I. Super. R. Crim. P. 46 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.3 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-10 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction | |
Bail Conditions | Least onerous Reasonably necessary to ensure | R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.3 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.3 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-24.1 |
Special Considerations | Alternative to arrest for serious mental illness | R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-7-12 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | R.I. Super. R. Crim. P. 46 |
Preventive Detention | Life imprisonment offenses and other specific offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | R.I. Const. Art. I, § 9 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-1.1 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-13-5.1 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
South Carolina
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 5,282,634 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 72.7% of 11,875 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to another Safety to the public | S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-10 S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-510 |
Release Before First Appearance | No direction | |
Time Limits | Within 24 hours | S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-510 |
Bail Factors | May consider specific and must consider other specific | S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-30 S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-510 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-580 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Partially secured Secured bond Commercial bond | S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-10 S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-15 S.C. Code Ann. § 38-53-10 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk | S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-10 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure | S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-10 S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-30 |
Pretrial Services | No direction | |
Special Considerations | Receipt of deposits in lieu of recognizance | S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-530 |
Ability to Pay Considered | May consider financial resources | S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-30 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses Life imprisonment offenses Violent offenses | S.C. Const. Art. I, § 15 S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-510 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | S.C. Code Ann. § 17-15-55 |
South Dakota
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 909,824 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 72.6% of 2,070 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-2 |
Release Before First Appearance | Must be fixed on warrant | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-2-4 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-4-1 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-4 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-2 S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-3 S.D. Codified Laws § 58-22-1 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory PR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-2 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure appearance (type or conditions) Reasonably ensure safety (type only) | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-3 |
Pretrial Services | As available | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-3 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-4 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great LIMITED BY STATUTE No condition(s) of release will reasonably ensure court appearance or safety | S.D. Const. Art. VI, § 8 S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-2.1 |
Bail Reconsideration | 24 hours (upon request) | S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-43-8 |
Tennessee
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 7,051,339 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 53.2% of 29,651 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to the public | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-118 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-115 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor) Delegated release (limited) | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-7-118 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-10-104 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-105 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Tenn. R. Crim. P. Rule 5 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors (monetary) May consider specific factors (conditions) | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-115 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-118 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Must consider, if available | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-115 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-103 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-115 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-118 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond for strangulation Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond for driving under suspension and no FTA (with time limit) | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-115 |
Bail Conditions | Necessary to reasonably ensure appearance and safety Least restrictive Least onerous (appearance) | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-115 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-118 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-116 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-116 |
Special Considerations | Any offender arrested for the offense of stalking, elder abuse, DV, rioting shall not be released within 12 hours of the time of arrest | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-150 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-115 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Tenn. Const. Art. I, § 15 Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-102 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-143 |
Texas
CATEGORY | Detail | CITATION |
---|---|---|
State Population | 30,029,572 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 76.2% of 66,806 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety to another Safety to the public | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.028 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor) Bond schedule | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 14.06 Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.028 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 48 hours) | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.028 Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 15.17 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.15 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May not use | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.021 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Secured bond Commercial bond | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.028 Tex. Occ. Code § 1704.160 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond for individuals civilly committed as a sexually violent predator Mandatory secured bond for violent offenses or any felony while on bail for a violent offense | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.03 Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.03 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure Least restrictive | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.15 Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.028 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Tex. Gov’t Code § 76.011 |
Special Considerations | Potential alternatives to arrest for individuals with intellectual or developmental disability Extended detention for DV | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 14.035 Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.291 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.15 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident Felony with prior felonies Felony while on bail Violent or sexual offense while under supervision → Standard: Presumption of release with conditions | Tex. Const. Art. I, § 11 Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.028 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Tex. Crim. Proc. Code § 17.33 |
Utah
category | dETAIL | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 3,380,800 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 42.8% of 7,595 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice | Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-205 |
Release Before First Appearance | Delegated release (limited) Cite and release (misdemeanor) May be fixed on warrant | Utah Code Ann. § 77-7-18 Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-203 Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-204 Utah R. Crim. P. 6 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Utah Code Ann. § 77-7-23 |
Bail Factors | May consider specific factors | Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-202 Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-205 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-202 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-402 Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-205 Utah Code Ann. § 31A-35-402 |
Limits on Types of Bail | No direction (after delegated release) | |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure | Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-205 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-205 |
Special Considerations | May only issue a warrant if necessary to protect person or property or secure appearance Pretrial release may not be based solely on the seriousness of the offense | Utah Code Ann. § 77-7-5 Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-205 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial circumstances | Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-202 Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-205 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offense, felony while on bail or under supervision for a felony → Standard: Substantial evidence to support the charge Any other crime, by statute (felony, DV and other specific crimes) → Standard: Substantial evidence to support the charge AND clear and convincing evidence that flight or safety risk | Utah Const. Art. I, § 8 Utah Code Ann. § 77-20-201 |
Bail Reconsideration | No direction |
Vermont
category | dETAIL | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 647,064 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | N/a | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance (conditions) Safety to the public (detention only) | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554 Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7553a |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release Bond schedule | V.R.Cr.P. Rule 3 V.R.Cr.P. Rule 5 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | V.R.Cr.P. Rule 3 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors and may consider any relevant factors | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554c Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | May consider | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554c V.R.Cr.P. Rule 5 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554 Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554a |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight risk | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7551 Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554 |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably mitigate (flight risk) Reasonably ensure (safety) | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554c Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554c Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554 |
Special Considerations | Use of needs assessment Mandatory cite and release for some misdemeanors Specific nonviolent misdemeanor offense: max secured bail of $200 | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554c V.R.Cr.P. Rule 5 V.R.Cr.P. Rule 3 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § § 7554 |
Preventive Detention | Life imprisonment offenses → Standard: Evidence of guilt is great Violent felonies → Standard: Evidence of guilt is great AND clear and convincing evidence of risk of safety | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7553 Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7553a Vt. Const. § 40 |
Bail Reconsideration | 48 hours | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit., 13 § 7554 |
Virginia
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 8,683,619 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 46.5% of 26,583 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Safety of self | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-120 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor) | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-74 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-80 |
Bail Factors | Must consider all relevant factors | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-120 Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-121 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-152.4:3 |
Type of Bail Available | Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-120 Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-123 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory secured bond for any felony with a prior felony, under supervision or on bail for a felony | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-123 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure appearance and safety | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-124 Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-123 used Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-121 |
Pretrial Services | Available statewide | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-123 Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-152.2 Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-152.4:3 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-121 |
Preventive Detention | Any crime → Standard: Probable cause of flight or safety risk, or self-harm | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-120 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-124 |
Washington
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 7,785,786 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 71.9% of 9,609 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Prevent obstruction of justice | Wash. CRR 3.2 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.21.010 |
Release Before First Appearance | Must be fixed on warrant | Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.31.030 Wash. CRR 2.2 |
Time Limits | As soon as practicable (before the close of business on the next court day) Directly and without delay | Wash. CRR 3.2.1 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.31.030 |
Bail Factors | Must consider any relevant factors | Wash. CRR 3.2 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.21.050 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Partially secured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | Wash. CRR 3.2 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.21.020 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 18.185.280 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Presumption of ROR subject to court discretion of flight or risk of violent crime | Wash. CRR 3.2 |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably ensure (appearance) Any condition if finding of substantial danger | Wash. CRR 3.2 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.21.050 |
Pretrial Services | May use, limited use (may not supervise violent or sex offenses, unless on secured bond) | Wash. CRR 3.2 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.21.030 Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.21.015 |
Special Considerations | Alternatives to arrest for individuals known to have a mental disorder or substance use disorder | Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 10.31.110 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Wash. CRR 3.2 |
Preventive Detention | CONSTITUTION Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great Life imprisonment offenses → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that creates a substantial likelihood of danger to the community or any persons COURT RULE Capital offense → Standard: No conditions on release will reasonably ensure appearance or safety | Wash. Const. Art. I, § 20 Wash. CRR 3.2 |
Bail Reconsideration | Upon request | Wash. CRR 3.2 |
West Virginia
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 1,775,156 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 55.6% of 5,112 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety to the public Prevent obstruction of justice | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a |
Release Before First Appearance | No direction | |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay | W. Va. R.Cr.P., Rule 5 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | Required | W. Va. Code § 62-11F-4 W. Va. Code § 62-11F-2 W. Va. Code § 15A-5-7 |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a W. Va. Code § 62-1C-4 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR for low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors, except when good cause shown | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a |
Bail Conditions | Least restrictive Reasonably necessary to ensure | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a |
Pretrial Services | As available | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a W. Va. Code § 62-11F-2 W. Va. Code § 62-11F-3 |
Special Considerations | Monetary condition—may not exceed three times maximum fine for all misdemeanors | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a |
Preventive Detention | Life imprisonment offenses → Standard: Judicial discretion | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1 |
Bail Reconsideration | Misdemeanor—hearing within five days of setting the initial bail | W. Va. Code § 62-1C-1a |
Wisconsin
category | detail | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 5,892,539 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 50.2% of 13,142 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice | Wis. Const. Art. I, § 8 Wis. Stat. § 969.01 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor) May be fixed on warrant | Wis. Stat. § 968.085 Wis. Stat. § 969.05 |
Time Limits | Within a reasonable time | Wis. Stat. § 970.01 |
Bail Factors | May consider specific factors | Wis. Stat. § 969.01 Wis. Const. Art. I, § 8 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond | Wis. Stat. § 969.02 Wis. Stat. § 969.03 Wis. Stat. § 969.12 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Limit on use of monetary conditions: to ensure appearance only, unless violent crime | |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably necessary to ensure | Wis. Const. Art. I, § 8 Wis. Stat. § 969.01 Wis. Stat. § 969.02 Wis. Stat. § 969.03 |
Pretrial Services | As available | Wis. Stat. § 969.02 Wis. Stat. § 969.03 |
Special Considerations | For low-level misdemeanors, judge must issue a summons instead of a warrant unless there is a flight risk Monetary conditions for misdemeanors shall not exceed the maximum fine provided for the offense | Wis. Stat. § 968.04 |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider ability to pay | Wis. Stat. § 969.01 |
Preventive Detention | Intentional murder Sex offenses Violent offenses with prior violent offense → Standard: Clear and convincing evidence that the defendant committed an offense AND conditions with release not sufficient for safety | Wis. Const. Art. I, § 8 Wis. Stat. § 969.035 |
Bail Reconsideration | 72 hours (upon request) | Wis. Stat. § 969.08 |
Wyoming
category | dETAIL | citation |
---|---|---|
State Population | 581,381 | 2022 National and State Population Estimates |
Pretrial Detention Population | 73.8% of 1,441 persons in jail | Census of Jails, 2019 |
Purpose of Bail | Court appearance Safety of another Safety of the public Prevent obstruction of justice | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46 |
Release Before First Appearance | Cite and release (misdemeanor) | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 3.1 |
Time Limits | Without unnecessary delay (within 72 hours) | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 |
Bail Factors | Must consider specific factors | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 |
Pretrial Risk Assessment | No direction | |
Type of Bail Available | Personal recognizance Unsecured bond Secured bond Commercial bond | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46 |
Limits on Types of Bail | Mandatory ROR/unsecured bond subject to court discretion of flight or safety risk | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 |
Bail Conditions | Reasonably ensure Least restrictive | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 |
Pretrial Services | As available | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 |
Special Considerations | N/a | |
Ability to Pay Considered | Must consider financial resources | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 |
Preventive Detention | Capital offenses → Standard: Proof evident or presumption great | Wyo. Const. Art. 1, § 14 W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46.1 Wyo. Stat. § 7-10-101 |
Bail Reconsideration | 10 days (automatic) | W.R.Cr.P. Rule 46 |
Our Criminal Justice Team
R Street’s criminal justice and civil liberties team works across the ideological spectrum on public policy impacting almost every stage of the criminal justice system.
Key Themes
The Future of Bail
Conclusion
Bail is a critical component in our criminal justice system, and due to its ability to deprive someone of their freedom—as well as its capacity to protect public safety and ensure accountability—it is subject to intense scrutiny and heated debate. Consequently, perspectives on bail have become more emotionally driven than rooted in common sense. Opponents to bail reform believe that the potential public safety costs outweigh the personal harm inflicted upon accused individuals. However, doing nothing incurs several other significant costs that go beyond individual harm. Unnecessary detention also increases recidivism, wastes taxpayer dollars, and undermines the presumption of innocence. Embracing opportunities to improve the pretrial release process allows communities to establish more effective criminal justice systems that safeguard individual rights while maintaining public safety. To foster informed discussions and facilitate meaningful changes in the bail system, it is imperative to cultivate a comprehensive perspective on the existing bail laws across the United States and let facts, not fear, guide the future of bail discussions.
There are several notable themes across the country shaping pretrial justice. These include efforts to minimize the collateral consequences of pretrial detention through expanding immediate-release options, requiring a presumption of release on recognizance to remove financial barriers, and promoting least restrictive conditions to safeguard individual rights. Other trends include enhancing public safety by implementing mandatory pretrial risk assessments, advocating for statewide pretrial services to ensure uniformity and effectiveness, and expanding eligibility for preventive detention. Of course, there is also a push for stringent standards that protect individual rights and prevent excessive use of pretrial detention for less serious offenses, such as establishing defined time limits for bail considerations and assessing a person’s ability to pay.
The future of the bail system is expected to pivot away from predominately relying on secured bail toward embracing expanded release and integrating new technology and data analysis to improve pretrial success and community safety after release. The inclusion of needs and risk assessments, coupled with pretrial support, to address behavioral health and economic challenges could be a more holistic and productive framework. Adopting statewide pretrial services programs, administered by agencies outside of the criminal justice system, could also facilitate consistent and expeditious decisions, ensuring court appearances and safety. However, challenges such as political discord and misguided fear are expected to strongly impact future changes to the bail system.
Policymakers should move past the divisive and emotional aspects of bail reform to focus on balanced, common-sense solutions. They can draw inspiration from successful models in other states, using key themes identified in this analysis. In this ever-evolving landscape where individual rights, public safety and socioeconomic disparities intersect, finding a fair and pragmatic approach is essential. Limiting cash bail to address wealth-based disparities will be just as crucial as the expansion of preventive detention eligibility—with stringent limitations—to promote a more just system. It is a journey that requires careful consideration, thoughtful bipartisan conversations, and a commitment to understanding and boldly addressing the myriad issues associated with the bail system.
Acknowledgements
The research presented in this study was funded in part by the MacArthur Foundation. The R Street Institute thanks them for their support.

Support our work
Our deep research into public policy solutions supporting limited government and free markets is only possible because of your support. Please give today.