19.2-121 - Fixing terms of bail.

§ 19.2-121. Fixing terms of bail.

If the person is admitted to bail, the terms thereof shall be such as, in thejudgment of any official granting or reconsidering the same, will bereasonably fixed to assure the appearance of the accused and to assure hisgood behavior pending trial. The judicial officer shall take into account (i)the nature and circumstances of the offense; (ii) whether a firearm isalleged to have been used in the offense; (iii) the weight of the evidence;(iv) the financial resources of the accused or juvenile and his ability topay bond; (v) the character of the accused or juvenile including his familyties, employment or involvement in education; (vi) his length of residence inthe community; (vii) his record of convictions; (viii) his appearance atcourt proceedings or flight to avoid prosecution or failure to appear atcourt proceedings; (ix) whether the person is likely to obstruct or attemptto obstruct justice, or threaten, injure, or intimidate, or attempt tothreaten, injure, or intimidate a prospective witness, juror, or victim; and(x) any other information available which the court considers relevant to thedetermination of whether the accused or juvenile is unlikely to appear forcourt proceedings.

In any case where the accused has appeared and otherwise met the conditionsof bail, no bond therefor shall be used to satisfy fines and costs unlessagreed to by the person who posted such bond.

(1975, c. 495; 1978, c. 755; 1980, c. 190; 1991, c. 581; 1992, c. 576; 1993,c. 636; 1999, cc. 829, 846.)