Release in a Criminal Case

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 27, 2024

Rule 9.

(a)

Release Before Judgment of Conviction.

(1)

The district court must state in writing, or orally on the record, the reasons for an order regarding the release or detention of a defendant in a criminal case. A party appealing from the order must file with the court of appeals a copy of the district court’s order and the court’s statement of reasons as soon as practicable after filing the notice of appeal. An appellant who questions the factual basis for the district court’s order must file a transcript of the release proceedings or an explanation of why a transcript was not obtained.

(2)

After reasonable notice to the appellee, the court of appeals must promptly determine the appeal on the basis of the papers, affidavits, and parts of the record that the parties present or the court requires. Unless the court so orders, briefs need not be filed.

(3)

The court of appeals or one of its judges may order the defendant’s release pending the disposition of the appeal.

(b)

Release After Judgment of Conviction.

A party entitled to do so may obtain review of a district-court order regarding release after a judgment of conviction by filing a notice of appeal from that order in the district court, or by filing a motion in the court of appeals if the party has already filed a notice of appeal from the judgment of conviction. Both the order and the review are subject to Rule 9(a). The papers filed by the party seeking review must include a copy of the judgment of conviction.

(c)

Criteria for Release.

The court must make its decision regarding release in accordance with the applicable provisions of 18 U.S.C. §§ 3142, 3143, and 3145(c).

(As amended Apr. 24, 1972, eff. Oct. 1, 1972; Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 210, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1987; Apr. 29, 1994, eff. Dec. 1, 1994; Apr. 24, 1998, eff. Dec. 1, 1998.)