AR HB1618

For felony offenses, judicial officers must set cash or money bail only after determining no other conditions will reasonably ensure the defendant's court appearance.

For misdemeanor offenses, arresting officers must issue an electronic citation or written citation to appear in court, except for five specified offenses (negligent homicide, third-degree battery, fourth-degree sexual assault, third-degree domestic battering, and driving/boating while intoxicated).

Citations must include the arrestee's name, address, identification number, offense charged, and court date at least 5 days after issuance before a district court judge in the relevant county.

Cash or money bail is prohibited for ordinance violations and is considered only a last resort, used solely to ensure the defendant's appearance in court.

For the five specified misdemeanor offenses, judicial officers may set cash or money bail only after determining no other conditions will reasonably ensure court appearance, based on compelling circumstances including prior failure to appear, prior absconding, or imminent threat to others.