Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that specifies conditions for pretrial release and the maximum bail amount that can be set in West Virginia.

Highlights:

• Authorizes right to pretrial release (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies maximum bail amount for charges for multiple misdemeanor offenses (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies personal recognizance bonds shall include an unsecured monetary amount (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits the magistrate judge from setting cash only or property only bail for pretrial release(Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes judicial officers to impose reasonably necessary conditions to assure the defendant will appear as required, including releasing the defendant on his or her own recognizance (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies a magistrate may not release a defendant charged with a felony offense on his or her own recognizance on initial appearance (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies the circumstances in court when a bail bond is not appropriate (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies circumstances when a magistrate has discretion to set a cash only bond (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text