This bill changes the rules for releasing defendants before their trial, especially if they are charged with serious crimes involving firearms or causing harm. It aims to keep the community safer by making it harder for certain defendants to be released on their own promise to return for court.
As introduced, establishes a presumption that a defendant should not be released on the defendant’s personal recognizance if the defendant is charged with an offense that involved the use or display of a firearm or resulted in the serious bodily injury or death of the victim; requires a magistrate who determines that the presumption has been rebutted to include in the bail order written findings for each factor considered in making such a determination. - Amends TCA Title 40.