How bail keeps people locked up for being poor, and led to a $2 billion private industry

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When someone finds themselves in jail, they can often gain their freedom while they await trial by posting bail. But even small bails amounting to just $500 or $1,000 can prove unaffordable for many. In fact, 40% of Americans say they could not afford an unexpected $400 expense, according to the Federal Reserve. Bail bonds offer a way out. Bond companies will post bail for defendants in exchange for a fee of about 10-15% of the total bail amount.

But once defendants get out of jail, they may find themselves in a different predicament. Required to sign strict contracts, defendants often can find themselves paying more than they expected, wearing ankle monitors, and even — in some cases — being threatened with a return to jail if they do not pay extra fees. Industry representatives condemn such actions, saying these types of interactions between bond agents and their clients are not the norm.

Either way, it's no surprise that many defendants decide to avoid bail bonds and stay in jail. However, staying in jail can have negative consequences as well. Robin Steinberg, CEO and founder of the Bail Project, told CNBC that just remaining in jail before a trial makes defendants more likely to be found guilty and get longer sentences.

All of this has helped fuel a reform movement but the best way forward has yet to materialize. Bail agents also worry that reducing the use of bail and releasing more people pretrial will increase crime rates.

 

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The suspension of the criminal mindset through punitive measures is vital for a society. Removing the obligation of good behavior by means of financial or incarceration allows the criminal mind to accelerate...

Because NY public Defenders put it on the block. An Pennsylvania Public Defenders we’re fired for fileing a brief on reforming bail system

It's on the chopping block because insane leftists (aka Democrats) control the cities in which they are letting violent criminals back onto the street minutes after arrest.

Dictatorships tend to have good relations with organized crime. Take China for instance.

Thousands of people who get put in jail for bogus charges not having the money to bailout. Imagine sitting on your front porch smoking a joint and your neighbor reports you to the police. If you are poor or a minority you are going to jail.

It's a scam

Don’t know but there are some bitches who should not walk.

If you can't pay bail then don't do the crime. EasyPeasy Solution

You're on drugs that punk killed a 92 year old! Party of Crime Democrats want you Dead letting out bank robbers child murderers, just read the NY Post daily

Baal is one god, or one aspect, and Ja is the other. It's just money, really... pretty simple.

How’s bail reform going in New York? They are already trying to repeal it. Democrats are stupid!

Yes there needs to be fair consequences for the crimes. Some misdemeanors and simple charges should be up for bail. But felonies and murders people should have to be reformed and then released after a good amount of time.

Corruption. Plain and simple.

It also keeps criminals in jail and reduces overall crime.

dont forget all the illegals in jail costing hundreds of billion$ to US taxpayers

Not for long in New York. A recently passed bail reform act all but does away with bail unless the case fits certain criteria.

From rich people, yeah? They soak the rich? No? Hmmm - that's a shocker...

Good point. No bail for everyone Scumbbags CNBC Liberal CryBabys Libtardisms

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