NCJ Number
120772
Date Published
1988
Length
67 pages
Annotation
Factors affecting decisions about whether to detain criminal defendants or release them on bail in England were examined using data from the Brighton and Bournemouth courts in 1986.
Abstract
Findings showed that those at high risk of custody were those who had previously failed to appear in court after being released on bail, those who had been charged with a further offense while on bail, and those with no fixed residence. The majority of defendants did not have these high-risk factors, however. For them, the type of offense seemed to be the most important factor in the decision regarding detention. Of the four offense groups studied, a charge of burglary involved the highest risk and a charge of theft the least risk of custody. Figures, tables, one reference, and list of Home Office research reports.