Keep Offenders Off Our Streets Act.
Summary
The "Keep Offenders Off Our Streets Act" aims to amend District of Columbia law regarding pre-trial release of individuals charged with offenses. It mandates that individuals can only be released pending trial if they execute a secured appearance bond. This bill seeks to repeal the option of release on personal recognizance and includes this prohibition in the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this act would be to eliminate the possibility of pre-trial release without a secured appearance bond for individuals charged with offenses in D.C. This could lead to an increase in the number of individuals held in custody pending trial. It also restricts the legislative authority of the D.C. Council and Mayor in this specific area.
Potential Benefits
- Increased public safety due to potentially fewer offenders being released back into the community before trial.
- Greater assurance that individuals charged with offenses will appear in court as required.
- Reinforcement of the principle that individuals charged with crimes should bear some financial responsibility to ensure their appearance in court.
- Could deter individuals from committing offenses if they know pre-trial release will be more difficult to obtain.
- May lead to a more consistent application of pre-trial release conditions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased jail populations and associated costs for the District of Columbia.
- Disproportionate impact on low-income individuals who may not be able to afford a secured appearance bond, potentially leading to pre-trial detention solely based on economic status.
- Restriction of the District of Columbia's self-governance and home rule authority.
- Possible strain on the justice system due to increased pre-trial detention hearings and related processes.
- May not address the root causes of crime or improve long-term public safety.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill raises questions regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the District of Columbia, particularly concerning the Home Rule Act. While Congress has broad authority over D.C., the extent to which it can dictate local policies is subject to interpretation. The bill does not appear to directly infringe upon individual rights enumerated in the Constitution, such as the right to due process or protection against excessive bail, but its practical application could raise such concerns if it leads to unjust pre-trial detention based on inability to pay.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).