By law, a magistrate must consider: (i) the nature and circumstances of the offense; (ii) whether a firearm is alleged to have been used in the offense; (iii) the weight of the evidence; (iv) the financial resources of the accused and his or her ability to pay bond; (v) the character of the accused including family ties, employment or involvement in education; (vi) length of residence in the community; (vii) record of convictions; (viii) appearance at court proceedings or flight to avoid prosecution or failure to appear at court proceedings; (ix) whether the person is likely to obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice, or threaten, injure, or intimidate, or attempt to threaten, injure, or intimidate a prospective witness, juror, or victim; and (x) any other information available which is considered relevant to whether the accused is unlikely to appear for court proceedings.  For certain offenses, a magistrate is required to presume, subject to rebuttal, that no condition of bail will reasonably assure the person’s appearance for trial or protect public safety.  Additionally, for certain offenses, a magistrate is required by law to set a secure bond unless the Commonwealth Attorney agrees otherwise.