Here's the Problem With the Cash Bail System

It is a crime to be poor in America. That's because the US cash bail system is perpetuating poverty, making freedom for those awaiting trial accessible only to those who can afford it.

Insha Rahman, the Program Director at the @VeraInstitute of Justice and a former public defender, explains why we need to end cash bail. Join us in the fight to #DecriminalizePoverty.

[StevenCavanaugh]

I noticed she proposed exactly zero viable alternatives to cash bail.

[victoriabryan]

a lot of you guys don't understand the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" and it shows

[davet]

Life long criminal Darrell Brooks appreciates you compassionate and progressive take on bail reform.

[mr.alfredmvilla]

Mass incarceration she mentioned only is applicable due to MASS CRIME! She left that part out! These people are sick! I hope they get a visit from these criminals they want to let out and experience their progressive views up close and personal!!!!

[moscasucio]

“Cant do the time, dont do the crime”

[tommyfastlane]

Way to stand up for the criminal element of our society. I’m sure they’re happy about this. Let’s see how Illinois does come 2023.

[mort]

Blame "the system" and say "Here's the problem" while a soundtrack plays in the background to tug on our emotions. Blame "the system" for the actions of repeat offenders who choose illicit activity and claim victim-hood status when they are caught. Most of all, remove the basic foundation of morality- individual accountability. Well done- this how you get to where we are.

[williampennjr.]

how do you go after the people who dont show up to court if you defund the police?

[birds_are_really_fierce]

The oversimplification of the reality of who actually get affected by this is ridiculous. It’s meant to keep violent criminals in and people who are apart of the community and help the community who are unjustly detained to get back on track

[hopkinsbailbonds]

The truth about bail reform is
pretrial is not about letting people out of jail. It is about ensuring that they show up for court. The current system of financially secured release is a risk based system. People are not in jail because they are poor. They are in jail because of probable cause and they are accused of breaking the law. Most incarcerated defendants have criminal histories. Financially secured release is the most effective way to ensure a defendant’s appearance in court. Release through a public sector such as a pretrial services program is one of the least effective methods and the most costly. Contrary to popular belief, the defendant is not the victim.

[thomasroblin]

If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.

[gigatec]

@1:15 she said they are more likely to plead guilty just to get out? Am I missing something?

[elijahalvarado]

What’s the alternative? Would a Cashless bail system work?

[gabrielzachary]

i understand this is fundamentally unconstitutional but if a person if caught in the act of commiting a serious crime where it is irrefutable should they be released until a trial is convened ??
and in the mean time what if they commit another offence and are caught again red handed, should they be released again ???

[aprilsims]

People wanting bail reform have no idea what they are doing! This will cost the tax payers billions of dollars! Are we as tax payers supposed to pay for the crimes others commit? A Bail bondsman doesn't use any tax payers money. Their job is strictly done by the money that is provided by the one who committed the crime. If the person is poor or worried about their family while being in jail then they should have thought of that before they went and committed the crime. A Bail bondsman isn't just someone u go to when u get out of jail. They are supporters of the criminal they try to help them and lead them down the right path. They help drug addicts get into rehab and listen to the offender when they need advice. They drive the offender to court to make sure they make it to court. A bail bondsman is the offenders friend. A bail bondsman will help an offender anyway they can when sometimes their own families won't. When a bail bondsman has an offender that violates there defendant contract the bondsman goes and gets the offender without touching any tax payers money. Don't knock the bonding system when u have no idea what goes on in it. A bail bondsman works hard for the little money they earn and risk their lives to do it. Yeah police and other people in the judicial system risk their lives too but if a bondsman gets shot and killed the taxpayers don't pay for their life that a criminal took!

[kleezer]

Notice how people are brought into jail for violent crimes and not because their poor. We don't criminalize poverty, we criminalize violent crimes

[adamosak]

I've seen this happen firsthand. If you're broke, it's all over for you. If you don't have connections, it's all over for you. You disappear into the system and get spun out worse than when you went in. That's a fact.

[davidqheffner]

I'm curious what kind of neighborhood she lives in.

[erikaisabell]

The comments show how bias some of you are. Innocent until proven guilty, or justice for ALL not only the rich. An accusation does NOT mean guilty. The criminal justice system is terrible and needs dismantled and rebuilt with fairness and transparency

[jamesryan]

i'd rather just not have a optional bail for kidnappers and 2nd degree murderers, if you're doing something like that it doesnt matter how much money you have, you killed someone!