This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require judicial officers to consider the residency status of individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses when determining bail and conditions of pretrial release. Specifically, it mandates that in assessing "good cause" for release, judicial officers must evaluate whether the individual is a resident of West Virginia or the United States, their ties to the community, and the risk of flight. The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding the conditions of release, ensuring that the residency status is a factor in the decision-making process.

Additionally, the bill introduces new language that emphasizes the importance of residency status in the overall considerations for bail, including the character and reputation of the arrested person. It retains existing provisions regarding the types of offenses that may affect bail decisions and the conditions that can be imposed on individuals released pretrial. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the judicial process by incorporating residency status as a critical factor in bail determinations, thereby potentially influencing the safety and compliance of individuals awaiting trial.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 62-1C-1a