Tag

Cash Bail

All articles tagged with #cash bail

law-and-crime2 years ago

"Los Angeles Implements Zero-Bail Policy to Address Discrimination in Cash Bail System"

Los Angeles' zero-bail policy, which eliminates cash bail for non-violent or non-serious crimes, went into effect after a judge ruled that the previous cash bail system discriminated against minorities and the poor. The policy has faced criticism from law enforcement officials who believe it will undermine crime fighting efforts. Recent store robberies have been blamed on the policy, with robberies increasing by 10% last year. Twelve counties have sued the city in an attempt to block the law. Supporters argue that cash bail should not be equated with accountability and that the policy will help address racial inequity and structural bias.

law-and-justice2 years ago

Illinois Leads the Way in Ending Cash Bail

Illinois has become the first state to fully abolish cash bail as the SAFE-T Act went into effect, allowing inmates to petition the court to review their cases. The decision to detain defendants will now be based on the seriousness of the charges and the risk they pose to the public or of fleeing prosecution, rather than their ability to pay bail. Proponents argue that the money bond system disproportionately affects poor individuals, while opponents claim that judges need more discretion in determining whether a defendant should remain in jail. The change is expected to have a significant impact on courtroom procedures in Illinois.

law-and-justice2 years ago

Illinois Makes History: Cash Bail Abolished, Court System Overhauled

Illinois is set to become the first US state to abolish cash bail after lawmakers passed a bill that aims to reform the state's criminal justice system. The new law, which will take effect in 2023, replaces cash bail with a system that assesses a defendant's flight risk and potential danger to the community. Advocates argue that cash bail disproportionately affects low-income individuals and perpetuates inequality in the legal system.

law-and-crime2 years ago

Illinois Implements No Cash Bail: Essential Information

Starting Monday, Illinois will become the first state to eliminate cash bail, as a new law goes into effect. Under the new system, police will issue citations for low-level misdemeanors, while more serious crimes will be decided by the court. Conditions for release will be determined in an initial hearing, with prosecutors having the option to request detention. The law defines detention-eligible offenses, such as domestic battery, stalking, and most gun charges. Critics argue that the overhaul may compromise public safety, while supporters believe it will make the system fairer.

criminal-justice-reform2 years ago

Illinois Leads the Way: Abolishing Cash Bail to Address Racial Disparities

Illinois will become the first state to abolish cash bail as a condition of pretrial release, with the Pretrial Fairness Act taking effect on September 18. The new law aims to address the disproportionate impact of cash bail on communities of color, as studies have shown that Black and Latino individuals tend to receive higher bail amounts than their white counterparts. Critics argue that cash bail policies perpetuate an unfair system, while proponents claim it ensures defendants show up for court. The change in Illinois has faced opposition from law enforcement, but supporters hope it will lead to a more equitable criminal justice system.

law-and-justice2 years ago

Illinois Supreme Court Paves the Way for Cash Bail Elimination

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld a law that eliminates cash bail, ruling that it is constitutional and can go into effect on September 18. Under the law, individuals will no longer be required to post bail to be released before trial, but can still be detained if they pose a threat or are likely to flee. The decision overturns a lower court ruling that stated the bail provision could only be enacted through a constitutional amendment. Supporters of the law argue that it promotes a more equitable and just system, while critics argue that it undermines the state's interests.

law-and-justice2 years ago

Illinois Supreme Court paves the way for historic end to cash bail

Illinois is set to become the first state in the US to eliminate cash bail after the state Supreme Court ruled that a criminal justice reform law did not violate the state's constitution. The ruling comes after legal challenges halted the Pretrial Fairness Act, which was set to go into effect in January. The court's 5-2 ruling stated that the state's constitution does not mandate monetary bail as the only means to ensure defendants' appearance in court or protect the public. The decision has been praised by advocates for addressing inequalities in the criminal justice system, while opponents argue it puts public safety at risk.

law-and-justice2 years ago

Illinois Supreme Court Paves the Way for Cash Bail Elimination

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of a state law ending cash bail, ordering its implementation in mid-September. Under the new law, judges will not require those charged with a crime to post bail in order to leave jail while they await trial, with exceptions for those considered a threat to the public or likely to flee. The decision aims to ensure that a person's experience with the criminal justice system is not determined by their income level. The ruling overturns a previous decision deeming the law unconstitutional and is set to go into effect statewide in September.

law-and-politics2 years ago

Illinois Supreme Court Paves the Way for Historic End to Cash Bail

The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that a provision in the state's SAFE-T Act, which aims to end cash bail, does not violate the state's constitution. This decision paves the way for Illinois to become the first state in the US to eradicate cash bail. Under the new law, judges will not require suspects charged with crimes to post bail while awaiting trial, except for those deemed a threat to the public or likely to flee. The ruling is set to take effect on September 18, 2023. Critics argue that the law should have been put to a vote and express concerns about public safety.

law-and-justice2 years ago

"Landmark Decision: Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Cash Bail Ban"

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld a state law ending cash bail, overturning a previous ruling that deemed it unconstitutional. The end to cash bail will go into effect statewide on September 18. The court's decision was praised by advocates who argue that the current cash bail system disproportionately affects poor defendants. However, critics, including law enforcement officials, argue that the elimination of cash bail will put dangerous criminals back on the streets. The ruling allows judges to detain defendants if they pose a threat to the public, are a flight risk, or are charged with serious felonies. Other provisions of the criminal justice reform law, known as the SAFE-T Act, including body camera requirements and police training mandates, went into effect on January 1.

us-news2 years ago

Illinois Supreme Court Supports Cash Bail Reform Measure

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld a measure that eliminates cash bail in the state, a move aimed at reducing jail populations and addressing the unfairness of the system based on wealth. The law, which goes beyond similar bail reforms in other states, limits judges' ability to hold defendants in jail before trial. While civil rights groups and Democrats support the decision, prosecutors and law enforcement groups argue that it will make the state less safe. Cash bail will officially end in Illinois on September 18.

law-and-justice2 years ago

Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Elimination of Cash Bail in Landmark Ruling

The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that the provision of the SAFE-T Act ending cash bail is constitutional, paving the way for Illinois to become the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail. The 5-to-2 vote comes after legal challenges were filed against the provision, which had been halted by the state Supreme Court itself. The Pre-Trial Fairness Act, as part of the SAFE-T Act, was the most controversial aspect, with opponents arguing that it violated the constitution while supporters claimed it would address the issue of people being incarcerated simply because they couldn't afford bail. The bail rules will go into effect on September 18, 2023.

law-and-justice2 years ago

Illinois Supreme Court Eliminates Cash Bail, Setting Precedent

The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that cash bail can be eliminated, making it the first state to do so. The decision comes as part of the implementation of the SAFE-T Act, which is set to go into effect in January. While some state's attorneys argue that a constitutional amendment is necessary, lawmakers maintain that the state constitution does not specify that bail must be in the form of cash. Under the new system, individuals will be detained based on the offense they are accused of and their prior record, rather than posting bail.

politics2 years ago

California Reparations Task Force Recommends Ending Cash Bail and Reducing Prosecution of Low-Level Crimes.

California's reparations task force has recommended the state to end cash bail and the prosecution of low-level crimes as part of its campaign to make amends for slavery and anti-Black racism. The task force also calls for the legislature to create a framework for compensating people held before trials who were later acquitted or exonerated. Additionally, the committee outlines what it describes as "overpolicing" of Black Americans before calling for California to stop prosecuting low-level crimes. The recommendations are part of an effort by the task force to remedy what the panel describes as an "unjust legal system" toward Black Californians.

criminal-justice-reform2 years ago

Calls for Bail Reform After Release of Ralph Yarl Shooting Suspect

The release of Andrew Lester, an 84-year-old white man charged with shooting a Black teenager, has prompted calls for bail reform in Missouri. Lester was able to pay $20,000 and be released within the same afternoon, while the vast majority of people in jail in Clay County are there awaiting trial. Advocates argue that cash bail upholds racism and white supremacy, criminalizes being poor, and inflates jail populations. Critics want to see changes to Missouri's cash-bail system, including the elimination of cash bail and a shift towards risk-based assessments. Illinois became the first state to eliminate cash bonds in 2022.