Tribunal Administration discusses uniform bail guidelines for violent crime cases

The Puerto Rico Legislature convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss significant reforms regarding bail procedures in criminal cases. The meeting focused on a proposed law aimed at standardizing bail amounts for violent crimes and enhancing judicial discretion in evaluating risk factors.

Key discussions highlighted the need for uniformity in bail amounts, as current practices vary widely among judges. Sigfrido Sterger Figueroa from the administration of courts emphasized that the proposed legislation seeks to establish clear guidelines for minimum bail amounts. He noted that while judges have discretion in their decisions, the law intends to provide a framework that ensures consistency across cases.

The proposed law includes provisions for judges to consider validated risk assessment tools when determining bail. However, Figueroa clarified that these assessments would not replace the minimum bail amounts outlined in the legislation. He acknowledged concerns about the potential for misinterpretation of certain articles within the law but argued that a comprehensive reading of the text supports the intention of establishing minimum bail criteria.

Another critical point raised during the meeting was the role of the Public Ministry in bail hearings. Figueroa pointed out that the absence of the Public Ministry in many hearings could lead to inadequate assessments of bail appropriateness. He suggested that if a bail amount, such as $7,000, is deemed insufficient, it is crucial for the Public Ministry to communicate this to the judge.

The discussions underscored the importance of addressing issues related to bail and judicial processes, particularly in light of concerns about the evasion of judicial proceedings. The proposed reforms aim to create a more equitable and efficient system for handling bail in Puerto Rico's criminal justice framework. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed law and its implications for the judicial system.