South Carolina § 22-5-580 - Statewide pretrial classification program; promulgating regulations; "point-total" system.

§ 22-5-580. Statewide pretrial classification program; promulgating regulations; "point-total" system.

(A) A statewide pretrial classification program is established to bring about an improvement of magistrates' collections and consideration of information concerning release of persons placed in jail pending disposition of criminal charges. The program must allow magistrates to make more fully informed bail-setting decisions so those persons who present low risks of absconding while under appearance recognizance or an appearance bond may be released and those persons presenting unacceptably high risks of absconding or committing crime will continue to be held in custody.

(B) The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act to be used by magistrates in improving the collection and consideration of information on persons requesting release on appearance recognizance or appearance bonds. The regulations developed by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services must include the establishment of a "point-total" system for pretrial screening of appropriate defendants. This system must establish an amount or range of the recognizance entered into based on the nature of the offense charged, the danger the accused presents to himself and others, the likelihood the accused will flee to avoid trial, and other applicable factors. The regulations also must provide guidance for the collection and verification of relevant information on the person under consideration for the release.

HISTORY: 1995 Act No. 7, Part II, SECTION 41.