NO 48 HRS
NO 24 HRS
NO 12 HOURS
NO MANDATORY
HOLDING PERIOD, PERIOD.

You are not alone –  or crazy –  in thinking there is a mandatory “holding” period. It is my opinion and the opinion of others, that there was legislative intent to create a holding period when the statutes were amended. There are also old materials I have found, issued by Alabama task forces and committees which reference the statutes below, restating them in plain language declaring there is a mandatory holding period. 

In order to understand why there is no mandatory holding period, you have to breakdown the 2 applicable statutes.  

48 Hours?

First, let’s look at

§ 15-10-3. Arrest without warrant — Generally; written report; protection orders.

• (a) An officer may arrest a person without a warrant, on any day and at any time in any of the following instances:

• (1) If a public offense has been committed or a breach of the peace threatened in the presence of the officer.

• (2) When a felony has been committed, though not in the presence of the officer, by the person arrested.

• (3) When a felony has been committed and the officer has probable cause to believe that the person arrested committed the felony.

• (4) When the officer has probable cause to believe that the person arrested has committed a felony, although it may afterward→ appear that a felony had not in fact been committed.

• (5) When a charge has been made, upon probable cause, that the person arrested has committed a felony.

• (6) When the officer has actual knowledge that a warrant for the person’s arrest for the commission of a felony or misdemeanor has been issued, provided the warrant was issued in accordance with this chapter. However, upon request, the officer shall show the warrant to the arrested person as soon as possible. If the officer does not have the warrant in his or her possession at the time of arrest the officer shall inform the defendant of the offense charged and of the fact that a warrant has been issued.

→(7) When the officer has probable cause to believe that a felony or misdemeanor has been committed by the person arrested in violation of a protection order, including a domestic violence protection order or an elder abuse protection order, issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.

→(8) When an offense involves a crime of domestic violence, including domestic violence in the first degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-130, domestic violence in the second degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-131, domestic violence in the third degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-132, interference with a domestic violence emergency call, in violation of Section 13A-6-137, or domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation, pursuant to Section 13A-6-138, or elder abuse as defined in Section 38-9F-3, and the arrest is based on probable cause.

→ (c) If the defendant is arrested under this section for committing an act of domestic violence, including domestic violence in the first degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-130, domestic violence in the second degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-131, domestic violence in the third degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-132, interference with a domestic violence emergency call, in violation of Section 13A-6-137, or domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation, pursuant to Section 13A-6-138, in violation of a domestic violence protection order, or an act of elder abuse in violation of an elder abuse protection order, the defendant shall be held in custody until brought before the court within 48 hours for the purpose of enforcing the protection order and for consideration of bail in accordance with Section 15-13-190 and the applicable rules of criminal procedure, pending a hearing. If the defendant is not brought before the court within 48 hours, the defendant shall be subject to bail according to the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.

• The blue text is the important part. It lays out what crimes are to be included when applying the rules for Arrest without a Warrant (DV 1, 2, 3, 9-1-1, DVSS)

• In 8 & 8(c) it states: That the enumerated crimes must be committed IN violation of a domestic violence protection order or if elder abuse, IN violation of an elder abuse protection order.

• This means that if there is probable cause that the listed crimes have been committed in violation of the respective protection order, a defendant can be arrested without a warrant, HOWEVER…

• This type of defendant “shall be held in custody until brought before the court within 48 hours for the purpose of enforcing the protection order and for consideration of bail in accordance with Section 15-13-190 and the applicable rules of criminal procedure, pending a hearing.

• The defendant can be arrested but shall be held until brought before a court within 48 hours for a hearing. 

• The hearing is to specifically address conditions of bond “for the purpose of enforcing the protection order and for consideration of bail”  because this is a violent offender and a repeat violent offender – as these were committed in violation of a PFA.

What happens next is important! If the defendant is not brought before the court within 48 hours, the defendant shall be subject to bail according to the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.

If the defendant does not have that hearing, then the defendant SHALL be subject to bail according to the Rule of Crim Pro.  The SHALL is important. At 48 hours, the rules kick in.

Here’s my take: 

The defendant is a repeat offender, He/She knows the system,  has a bondsman and has a momma. If the defendant does not appear for a hearing, but yet a bond is issued by a Judge (standing order or staff coordination) and an Order of Release is signed (the document which has the conditions), the defendant cannot be held any longer. If the defendant comes in on hour 1, then at hour 2, the standing-order is put into place along with an order of release is issued. At that point, the defendant’s momma calls bondsman, as they are standing by the defendant can be released very easily in hour 3. This is why we cannot tell victims they have 48 hours to get out!

Prosecutors: if a hearing is not held, (check the record) I think you can argue for an alteration of bond conditions not due to change in circumstances or new event, but rather because the statute is very clear – SHALL be brought before the court for the purpose of enforcing the protection order and for consideration of bail. If that didn’t happen, argue it.

 After the warrantless arrest is 15-13-190 comes into play.

First, let’s address an arrest with a warrant:

The 24 Hour- Part

§15-13-190. Procedures upon Arrest;
Conditions of release or bail.13-190.

 Procedures upon Arrest;
Conditions of release or bail.

•       (a) A person arrested for domestic violence in the first degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-130, domestic violence in the second degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-131, domestic violence in the third degree, pursuant to Section 13A-6-132, interference with a domestic violence emergency call, in violation of Section 13A-6-137, or domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation, pursuant to Section 13A-6-138,OR a violation of a domestic violence protection order, may not be admitted to bail until after an appearance before a judge or magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest, and if the person is not taken before a judge or magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest, he or she shall be afforded an opportunity to make bail in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Like the sections above, (a) lays out what crimes are considered when applying the rules for 15-13-190 (DV 1, 2, 3, 9-1-1, DVSS OR VOP. (Elder abuse PFA is not referenced)

This defendant may not be admitted to bail until after an appearance before a judge or magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest”  “[A]nd if the person is not taken before a judge or magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest, he or she shall be afforded an opportunity to make bail in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.

What the judge or magistrate should consider or as the code states: “may ” consider:

15-13-190 continued…

       (b) The judge or magistrate may impose conditions of release or bail on the person to protect the alleged victim of domestic violence or the person protected by a protection order, and to ensure the appearance of the person at a subsequent court proceeding. The conditions may include, but need not be limited to, the following:
•       (1) Enjoining the person from threatening to commit or committing acts of domestic violence against the alleged victim.
•       (2)a. Restraining and enjoining the defendant from contacting the victim.
•            b. For the purposes of this subsection, contacting includes, but is not limited to, communicating with the victim verbally or in any written form, either in person, telephonically, electronically, or in any other manner, either directly or indirectly through a third person.
•       (3) Prohibiting the person from possessing a firearm or other weapon specified by the court, except when such weapon is necessary for employment as a peace officer or military personnel.
•       (4) Issuing any other order or modification of orders required in this section to protect the safety of the alleged victim or to ensure the appearance of the person in court.
Because Bond Conditions are considered a Protection From Abuse Order, the following is required:
•       (c)If conditions of release are imposed, the judge or magistrate shall issue a written order for conditional release, immediately distribute a copy of the order to the law enforcement agency having custody of the arrested or charged person,
•       place information pertaining to the order in the domestic violence protection order registry, and provide the law enforcement agency with any available information concerning the location of the alleged victim in a manner that protects the safety of the victim.
•       Law enforcement shall provide a copy of the written order to the victim within 24 hours of receipt, provided that the victim provides law enforcement with current and accurate contact information.
If the defendant is in violation of pre-existing conditions whether bond or probation:
•       (d) In cases in which the defendant has been placed on conditional release or bail pursuant to this section or is in violation of probation from another case and is arrested on a probation violation warrant, a violation of written condition of release pursuant to this section, or a violation of a prior protection order, the court shall consider revocation of probation, conditional release, or bail.
•       Should the court order continue probation, conditional release, or bail, the court shall order additional conditions imposed on the defendant to provide protection to the victim of domestic violence or the person protected by a protection order. Additional conditions shall be included in a written order.
•       (e) A person who willfully violates a condition of pretrial release provided in this section, when the original arrest was for an act of domestic violence, shall be subject to the penalties provided in Section 13A-6-142 and shall receive an enhanced penalty and additional sentence of imprisonment in accordance with Section 13A-6-142.

•       WHAT is Section 13A-6-142? A Violation of a Protection Order!

Protection from Abuse Definition § 13A-6-141

• PFA issued under Title 30 (elder abuse included also)

• NO CONTACT Orders – restraining order, injunctive order or order of release from custody in a family violence case or domestic relations case issued by circuit, district, municipal or juvenile court.

•  Order on Pre-Trial Release in Criminal Case by same courts above as condition of bail 15-13-190

• Order from other jurisdictions which can be enforced under our PFA Title 30 ( if specified as a PFA)

• Order from other jurisdiction not included in (#4 above) BUT has specified a history of violence or abuse

   

The_Prosecutors_Resource_Forfeiture_by_Wrongdoing

The implications of forfeiture by wrongdoing in domestic violence and child abuse cases.

At the time of the enactment of the Bill of Rights, common law stated that hearsay from unavailable witnesses was admissible when they were “detained” or “kept away” by the “means or procurement” of the defendant.

Application to DV and child abuse prosecutions: preexisting relationship between defendant and the declarant, e.g. Family, intimates, relationship and cohabitation = influence (Reynolds)

Defendant’s actions need not be threatening in order to have influence (bribes or gifts.) It’s seen often in cases where there is trust, affection or authority.

Defendant will argue “I didn’t do anything to make witness unavailable” or “No intent and causation” 

Argue “Exploitation”

Vulnerabilities and immaturity, perps seek continued silence

Pre Abuse relationship, progression, statements of abuser

  Reason for disclosure, delay and feelings about effects of disclosure

Alabama Rule 804(b)(5)

Even if a “wrongdoing” which makes the declarant unavailable to testify has occurred, the exception only applies when the wrongdoing occurred with the intent of procuring the unavailability of the declarant as a witness.
Pursuant to Rule 104(a), the trial judge must decide, based on a preponderance of the evidence, if all of the elements of this rule are met.

Difference between Davis and Ala Rule 804 “Acquiesced.” Alabama’s rule language does not include acquiesced.

Exceptions:

Crawford – a statement is testimonial “when the circumstances objectively indicate . . . that the primary purpose of the interrogation is to establish or prove past events potentially relevant to later criminal prosecution.

For Example: A statement made by the defendant’s wife during police interrogation is testimonial in nature.

Statements are nontestimonial when made in the course of police interrogation under circumstances objectively indicating that the primary purpose of the interrogation is to enable police assistance to meet an ongoing emergency.

They are testimonial when the circumstances objectively indicate that there is no ongoing emergency, and that the primary purpose of the interrogation is to establish or prove past events potentially relevant to later criminal prosecution.

Reasons for Non-Cooperation

Listen for clues as to why not wanting to go forward

• Listen for clues as to barriers to leaving

• Lack of knowledge about system, assistance, etc.?

• Can’t do vs won’t do?

• Victim discloses additional information?

• Contrary or additional or same but more?

NOTICE that assault requirement is “physical harm.”  see (link)  13A-6-138-Strangulation-or-suffocation

(b) A person commits the crime of domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation if he or she commits an assault with intent to cause physical harm∗ or commits the crime of menacing pursuant to Section 13A-6-23, SEE “attempt” in menacing definition:

 (A person commits the crime of menacing if, by physical action, he intentionally places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury.)

by strangulation or suffocation or attempted strangulation or suffocation and the victim is a current or former spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, any person with whom the defendant has a child in common, a present household member, or a person who has or had a dating relationship with the defendant. For the purpose of this section, a household member excludes non-romantic or non-intimate co-residents, and a dating relationship means a current or former relationship of a romantic or intimate nature characterized by the expectation of affectionate or sexual involvement by either party.

∗Physical Harm

“Physical harm” necessary for domestic violence by strangulation is not defined by statute, but it is a broad term that includes any measure of physical harm, whether slight or serious.

• (Some definitions consider “pain” as harm.)

  Thomas v. State, 214 So. 3d 1211 (Ala. Crim. App. 2015)

Printable document in purple

DV Victim Chart 2019 (1)

On or After May 23, 2019
Domestic Violence 1st, 2nd, 3rd
& Strangulation and Suffocation
• Current spouse
• Former spouse
• Parent
• Step-parent
• Child
• Step-child
• Person who has child in common with the defendant
• Present household member
• Person who has or had a dating relationship with the
defendant
A household member excludes non-romantic or non-intimate
co-residents.
A dating relationship means a current or former relationship of a romantic or intimate nature characterized by the expectation of affectionate or sexual involvement by either
party.

Domestic Violence Crimes Underlying 9.24.19 (1)

Domestic Violence Crimes
As of May 23, 2019
Domestic Violence 1st 13A-6-130
• 13A-6-20 Assault 1st
• 13A-6-91 Aggravated Stalking
• 13A-7-5 Burglary 1st
Domestic Violence 2nd 13A-6-131
• 13A-6-21 Assault 2nd
• 13A-10-123 Intimidating a Witness
• 13A-6-90 Stalking
• 13A-7-6, 13A-7-7 Burglary 2nd or 3rd
• 13A-7-21 Criminal Mischief 1st
Domestic Violence 3rd 13A-6-132 (3rd or subsequent conviction is C Felony or prior Felony DV or substantially similar from other state or jurisdiciton)
• 13A-6-22 Assault 3rd
• 13A-6-23 Menacing
• 13A-6-24 Reckless Endangerment
• 13A-6-25 Criminal Coercion
• 13A-11-8(a) (only (a) applies) Harassment
• 13A-11-32 Criminal Surveillance
• 13A-11-8(b) (only (b) applies) Harassing Communications
• 13A-7-4 Criminal Trespass 3rd
• 13A-7-22, 13A-7-23 Criminal Mischief 3rd or 2nd
• 13A-7-43 Arson 3rd
Domestic Violence by strangulation or suffocation 13A-6-138
• Commits an assault with intent to cause physical harm
• 13A-9-23 Menacing
• By strangulation or suffocation or attempted strangulation or
suffocation.
Violation of Protection Order 13A-6-142
(3rd or subsequent conviction is C Felony)
• Knowingly commits any act prohibited by a domestic violence
protection order or willfully fails to abide by any term of a domestic
violence protection order.