NCJ Number
39429
Journal
Journal of Legal Studies Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1976) Pages: 341-385
Date Published
1976
Length
45 pages
Annotation
ANALYSIS OF 1973 DATA FROM POLICE AND COURT RECORDS IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA RELATING TO THE FACTORS AFFECTING BAIL RISK AND THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS FORMS OF BAIL IN CONTROLLING BAIL RISK.
Abstract
COURT DISPOSITION TIME (THE TIME BETWEEN THE DEFENDANT'S RELEASE AND THE DISPOSITION OF HIS CASE BY THE COURT) WAS SHOWN TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR INFLUENCING BAIL RISK. OTHER SIGNIFICANT VARIABLES INCLUDED PRIOR ARRESTS AND THE FORM OF PRETRIAL RELEASE. THE FOUR MOST COMMON FORMS OF RELEASE IN CHARLOTTE AT THE TIME OF THE STUDY WERE BONDSMAN RELEASE, CASH BOND RELEASE, SUPERVISED RELEASE, AND RELEASE ON RECOGNIZANCE. DEFENDANTS RELEASED UNDER SUPERVISED RELEASE OR ON THEIR OWN RECOGNIZANCE HAD GENERALLY LOWER BAIL RISKS THAN CASH BOND AND BONDSMAN RELEASEES, ALTHOUGH THE OBSERVED DIFFERENCES WERE NOT ALWAYS SIGNIFICANT. FACTORS PROVEN TO HAVE LITTLE OR NO INFLUENCE ON BAIL RISK INCLUDED SEX, AGE, INCOME, RACE, EMPLOYMET STATUS, AND TYPE OF OFFENSE CHARGED. THESE STUDY RESULTS ARE COMPARED TO THOSE FROM A 1974 NEW YORK BAIL STUDY....ELW