SB344 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg AlbrittonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Municipal courts, municipal judges, to require defendants to be released as an unsecured appearance bond or on personal recognizance, with exceptions, Sec. 12-14-5 am'd.

Summary

The bill would require municipal judges in Alabama to release defendants charged with municipal ordinance violations on an unsecured appearance bond or on personal recognizance, with certain exceptions and procedures.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill requires release on an unsecured appearance bond up to $1,000 or on personal recognizance for violations punishable by fine or jail, with possible waivers for indigent defendants. Defendants released would receive a citation to appear and be released no later than booking completion. If a defendant is deemed to pose a real danger or is unlikely to appear, they can be detained for a court hearing within 48 hours (without a warrant) or 72 hours (with a warrant) to determine appropriate conditions of release.

Who It Affects

• Defendants charged with violations of municipal ordinances (punishable by a fine, jail time, or both), who would be released on an unsecured bond or personal recognizance under stated limits and procedures.
• Municipal judges and municipalities, who would implement the bail process, determine bond conditions (including waivers for indigent defendants), and apply special procedures for domestic violence and DUI cases.

Key Provisions

• Defines personal recognizance and unsecured appearance bond.
• Requires municipal judges to admit to bail by unsecured appearance bond up to $1,000 with security or by personal recognizance, with the judge approving the bond and waiving bond for indigent defendants.
• Defendants released on bond or recognizance must receive a citation to appear and be released no later than the completion of the booking process.
• If a preliminary determination finds danger or risk of nonappearance, the defendant is detained until a court hearing with written findings, using Rule 7.2 factors for release decisions.
• Hearing on detention must occur within 48 hours (without a warrant) or 72 hours (with a warrant).
• In domestic violence or DUI cases, the bill directs municipal courts to follow specific procedures set by other statutes (rather than the general bail provisions).
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Court, Municipal