Md. Bail Assessment Tool Differs From Other States

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley has said he may issue an executive order creating a pilot program for reforms to criminal bail procedures.

It would be the next chapter in Maryland’s efforts to comply with a Court of Appeals ruling that defendants have a right to legal counsel at every bail hearing. Legislators failed to agree on a solution this past session.

The order would create a pilot program that uses data on each defendant, such as criminal history, to assess the person’s risk of committing more crimes if released from jail.
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