The Bail Reform Act of 1966

In 1966, Congress passed the Bail Reform Act, which made several changes and stipulations regarding bail and the release of defendants. Under the Bail Reform Act of 1966, a judicial official was not able to consider a defendant's danger to society when determining if he or she would be released on his or her own recognizance. This excluded Capital offenders, whose danger to society could be taken into consideration.

The Act also included provisions regarding the release of Capital offenders and those who had already been convicted of a crime and were awaiting sentencing. Under this Act, Capital offenders and individuals awaiting sentencing were to be released unless the judge had reason to believe that no condition would ensure their appearance in court again. Non-Capital offenders were to be released on a personal bond or on their own recognizance, unless the judge determined that was not enough assurance for them to appear in court. If that was the case, the judge would select an alternative from a list of conditions, such as a restriction on travel.

Problems with the Bail Reform Act

This Act was highly criticized by some states, the District of Columbia in particular, because many criminals released on their own recognizance committed further crimes, only to be released again. In 1970, the District of Columbia passed new legislature which reformed the Bail Reform Act. The rest of the United States uniformly enacted new United States Code regarding bail and the release of defendants.

Orange County Bail Bond Agent

Do you need help securing the release of a loved one who is in custody in an Orange County jail? At Dan's Bail Bonds, we fully understand how to process Bail Bonds in California, and we do so while giving our clients the personal attention and dedicated service they deserve. Our experienced agents help clients throughout Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fullerton, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and the surrounding areas in Orange County.

Contact Orange County Bail Bondsman Dan Nesser of Dan's Bail Bonds today!