(a) All persons released by a court at or after the initial hearing and prior to a formal probation violation hearing pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1203.2 shall be released on their own recognizance unless the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the particular circumstances of the case require the imposition of an order to provide reasonable protection to the public and reasonable assurance of the person‘s future appearance in court.

(1) The court shall make an individualized determination of the factors that do or do not indicate that the person would be a danger to the public if released pending a formal revocation hearing. Any finding of danger to the public must be based on clear and convincing evidence.

Terms Used In California Penal Code 1203.25

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • peace officer: signify any one of the officers mentioned in Chapter 4. See California Penal Code 7
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See California Penal Code 7
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
  • property: includes both real and personal property. See California Penal Code 7
  • Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).

(2) The court shall not require the use of any algorithm-based risk assessment tool in setting conditions of release.

(3) The court shall impose the least restrictive conditions of release necessary to provide reasonable protection of the public and reasonable assurance of the person’s future appearance in court.

(b) Reasonable conditions of release may include, but are not limited to, reporting telephonically to a probation officer, protective orders, a global positioning system (GPS) monitoring device or other electronic monitoring, an alcohol use detection device, or search and seizure by a probation officer or other peace officer. The person shall not be required to bear the expense of any conditions of release ordered by the court.

(c) (1) Bail shall not be imposed unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that other reasonable conditions of release are not adequate to provide reasonable protection of the public and reasonable assurance of the person’s future appearance in court.

(2) “Bail” as used in this section is defined as cash bail. A bail bond or property bond is not bail. In determining the amount of bail, the court shall make an individualized determination based on the particular circumstances of the case, and it shall consider the person’s ability to pay cash bail, not a bail bond or property bond. Bail shall be set at a level the person can reasonably afford.

(d) The court shall not deny release for a person on probation for misdemeanor conduct before the court holds a formal probation revocation hearing, unless the person fails to comply with an order of the court, including an order to appear in court in the underlying case, in which case subdivision (a) shall apply.

(e) The court shall not deny release for a person on probation for felony conduct before the court holds a formal probation revocation hearing unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that there are no means reasonably available to provide reasonable protection of the public and reasonable assurance of the person’s future appearance in court.

(f) All findings required to be made by clear and convincing evidence under this section shall, based on all evidence presented, including, but not limited to, any probation report, be made orally on the record by the court. The court also shall set forth the reason in an order entered upon the minutes if requested by either party in any case in which the proceedings are not being reported by a court reporter.

(g) If a new charge is the basis for a probation violation, nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the court’s authority to hold, release, limit release, or impose conditions of release for that charge as permitted by applicable law.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 218, Sec. 8. (SB 852) Effective January 1, 2024.)

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