Dauphin Cnty. C.P. Rule 523-Documentation of Reasons for Bail

RULE 523. DOCUMENTATION OF REASONS FOR BAIL

(1) Whenever issuing authority commits a defendant without bail or sets bail

with monetary condition pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 524(C)(5), issuing

authority must contemporaneously provide written reasons for the bail

amount or the denial of bail. This requirement applies whenever issuing

authority sets bail in a monetary amount even if the defendant posts it

immediately. This requirement does not apply if bail is set at ROR or an

unsecured amount.

(2) Issuing authority must use the form in Appendix “A” to this rule to record

the reasons described in subparagraph (1).

(3) Issuing authority may use the form in Appendix “A” to this rule to record

reasons for setting bail conditions or for setting unsecured or ROR bail.

(4) Whenever the form in Appendix “A” to this rule is used, issuing authority

must file the statement of written reasons with the case, provide a copy to

the defendant, and immediately transmit a copy to the Dauphin County

Prison, if the defendant does not post bail at the time bail is set.

(5) If issuing authority does not issue and file a statement of written reasons

for setting secured bail or denying bail in the manner required by this rule,

the parties and a reviewing court may infer that there were no proper

reasons for the prior bail action.

(6) In making the above bail assessments, issuing authority must consider the

release criteria in Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 523.

Effective 5-23-22

APPENDIX A

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA BAIL REASONS

COUNTY OF DAUPHIN

Mag. Dist. No: MDJ-12- COMMONWEALTH

MDJ Name:

Address: v.

Telephone:

_____________________________

Docket No:

Case Filed:

Charges(s):

Bail Amount (if bail is denied, write “DENIED”) _______________________________

Reasons for denial of bail or setting of monetary bail: __________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________ __________________________________________

Date Magisterial District Judge

If you are disabled and require a reasonable accommodation to gain access to

the Magisterial District Court and its services, please contact the Magisterial

District Court at the above address or telephone number. We are

unable to provide transportation.

717-780-6640

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Effective 5-23-22