Pretrial Detention Act of 1981

Pretrial Detention Act of 1981 - Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer, in making a determination of whether a person charged with a noncapital offense should be released on bail, to consider the safety of any person or the community (in addition to assurance of appearance as currently provided). Permits consideration of a defendant's past conduct in making any such determination.

Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to five days of any person who: (1) is presently on probation, parole, or mandatory release for an offense punishable under State or Federal law; and (2) poses a risk of flight or danger to the safety of any person or the community.

Authorizes a U.S. attorney to move for a pretrial order after a determination that a defendant is eligible for release. Requires that such motion be heard as soon as practicable. Entitles a defendant to be represented by counsel, to present witnesses and evidence, and to cross-examination. Makes a defendant's testimony inadmissible in any other proceeding, except for purposes of impeachment.

Permits a judicial officer to make such an order upon finding that: (1) there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense; and (2) the defendant poses a danger to the safety of any other person or the community, based on specified findings by clear and convincing evidence, including that the offense is a violent or serious drug crime.

Authorizes such officer to order the defendant detained at all or specified hours before trial upon a determination by clear and convincing evidence that the danger cannot be reasonably minimized by advancement of trial or other conditions of release.

Requires that any defendant detained be confined to a place other than one designated for convicted persons to the extent practicable.

Entitles a defendant who is convicted to credit for time spent in pretial custody.