State v. Morris

¶ 1. Defendant James Morris appeals from an order of the district court denying bail. Defendant is charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct and one count of sexual assault. 13 V.S.A. §§2601, 3252(a)(1).

¶ 2. The maximum sentence for sexual assault under the circumstances alleged is life imprisonment. 13 V.S.A. §§ 3252(f)(1), 3271(a)(2), (b). As such, defendant may be held without bail if the evidence of guilt is great. Vt. Const, ch. II, § 40; 13 V.S.A. § 7553. After determining that a defendant may be held without bail, the trial court then must exercise its discretion in…