ST LOUIS (MO) - REVIEW OF PRETRIAL RELEASE PROCEDURES CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 39856
• Author(s): B D BEAUDIN; J A CARVER; S JIGGER; J CROMWELL
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 75 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-043-72
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

AN ANALYSIS, DATED AUGUST 1974, OF ST. LOUIS (MO) BAIL PROBLEMS SUGGESTING ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS AS POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS.

Abstract

THE CONSULTANT TEAM FOUND THE EXISTING ST. LOUIS BAIL SYSTEM GENERALLY INEQUITABLE AND INEFFICIENT BECAUSE OF AN ABSENCE OF A COORDINATED SYSTEM FOR KEEPING TRACK OF PRETRIAL DEFENDANT RELEASES AND AN ABSENCE OF METHODS TO MONITOR THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SERVICES OF PROFESSIONSL SURETIES. SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF THE OPPORTUNITY FOR DEFENDANTS TO BE RELEASED ON 10 PERCENT CASH BOND, IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITATION RELEASE PROGRAM FOR ALL STATE MISDEMEANOR ARRESTEES, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SINGLE FACILITY TO ACCOMODATE BOTH PROCESSING AND PRETRIAL DETENTION OF ARRESTEES. ALSO SUGGESTED WERE PROVISIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL PRETRIAL RELEASE CONSIDERATION ON A 24-HOUR A DAY BASIS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRETRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVES TO PROSECUTION IN APPROPRIATE CASES. WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMS ARE GIVEN. APPENDIXES CONTAIN THE ST. LOUIS BOND SCHEDULE, SAMPLE BAIL STATUTES OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS, CRITERIA FOR PRETRIAL RELEASE, AND AN INTERVIEW FORM USED IN A JAIL SURVEY....TWH