Initial Detention and Subsequent Release in DC
On average in the District of Columbia, 80% of persons arrested and charged with a crime are released to the community, either on personal recognizance or with supervised release conditions. Another 15% are preventively detained. About 5% have a financial bond imposed.
The District of Columbia Code and United States Code require courts to review all initial detention decisions, including financial bonds and statutory safety and appearance-based detentions. This report shows that initially detained defendants are being released with greater frequency than in the past and these individuals are spending less time initially detained. Additionally, the District’s use of financial bond remains minimal.
