The Fight to Maintain the Right to a Fair Bail

 Posted on March 15, 2020 in Bail Bonds

The state of California has passed an initiative that eliminates the opportunity for arrestees to secure their release on bail. Many California residents are not in support of this, so they have begun a movement to combat this in an upcoming election. The initiative sparks concerns about public safety, additional taxes, job loss and civil rights violations. Residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex can rely on Doc's Bail Bonds for their release from local jails or prisons. Doc's believes that everyone deserves the opportunity for freedom.

Consequences for Californians

One of the reasons many are upset about this initiative is because it puts public safety at risk. Being released on bail holds criminals accountable to return to a courtroom and face their crimes, so without it there are higher chances of people continuing to commit their crimes. This also adds to current issues arising with felonies being recategorized as misdemeanors, because this increases the amount of people eligible for probation.

Another concern is an increase in costs for California taxpayers. A major bail reform like this calls for an estimated $200 million annually. The options to pay for this are to either raise taxes or cut funding elsewhere, of course neither is ideal. A similar bail reform in New Jersey, a state with a much smaller population, cost $125 million in the first year alone.

A Threat Against Civil Rights

Above all else, Californians are upset about the attack on their judicial rights. The elimination of bail gets rid of their fair chance to get back to their regular lives after an arrest, which could have a negative impact on their jobs, educations or families. The reform would implement an algorithm that statistically assesses a case and decides whether or not someone should be released before trial. Due to higher rates of the poor and minorities being incarcerated, they are going to be more likely to stay in jail than their counterparts, which is unfair and biased. Computers are not able to use judgement, which is what allows fairness in the legal system.

How to Aid in the Fight

California residents can vote against the initiative in November. For those out of state, you can donate to the Californians for Safer Communities campaign, which is sponsored by the American Bail Coalition. Help your fellow Americans stay safe and protect their rights.

Doc's Bail Bonds: Giving Everyone in DFW Their Right to Freedom

Bail allows many a second chance to get their lives together and get back on track. Not only is its removal an expensive threat to public safety, it also takes away the civil rights of those who are being tried. Allowing a computer to decide if someone should be released before trial is sure to create a bias against many citizens, and that violates their rights to be judged fairly. DFW Metroplex residents can always count on Doc's Bail Bonds to secure their release. We want to help everyone get a chance to get their case together, so we service many charges and financial situations. Call us at (214) 747-4110 or visit our website for more on how we can help you.