Connecticut House Bill HB06691

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/13
• Refer: 4/3/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Issuance Of A Written Complaint And Summons For The Commission Of A Misdemeanor Or Violation.

Impact

If passed, the reform indicated in HB 6691 would significantly alter the way misdemeanors are processed. Currently, the requirement to take individuals into custody can contribute to congestion in police departments and necessary resource allocation for processing arrests. By allowing the immediate issuance of a summons upon proper identification, the bill is expected to expedite the law enforcement process, reduce unnecessary detentions, and enable police resources to be allocated more efficiently. It is particularly relevant to law enforcement’s approach towards those accused of less severe offenses.

Summary

House Bill 6691, titled 'An Act Concerning the Issuance of a Written Complaint and Summons for the Commission of a Misdemeanor or Violation', aims to amend existing procedures for handling misdemeanor arrests. The bill proposes that individuals arrested for certain misdemeanors or violations, upon presenting proper identification, should receive a written complaint and summons instead of being taken into custody for processing at a police department. This change seeks to streamline the arrest process and reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the potential implications of such a policy on public safety and accountability. Critics of this reform might argue that merely issuing a summons could lead to lower compliance rates for court appearances, as the deterrent provided by physical detention is removed. Additionally, there may be ongoing debates regarding the definition of 'proper identification' as stipulated in the bill, potentially raising questions about accessibility and equity in law enforcement processes. Advocates for the reform may highlight the need for modernization in handling minor offenses to prevent unnecessary impacts on individuals' lives due to misdemeanor arrests.