A new report (one of several others that will be coming out) that was recently released from The Data Center, suggests that the bail bond system in New Orleans is a major contributing factor to the high incarceration rate in the region. There are hundreds of people currently sitting behind bars, who aren't deemed to be any sort of risk or danger to the community, yet they are held because they couldn't afford bail. And authorities would rather keep them behind bars, while the public continues to pay the bill.
A great deal of those who cannot afford to pay are being held on bail amounts that are less than 100k.
In many ways, by keeping these people behind bars on account that they cannot pay, it fuels further damage to the community and their families. The bail system in New Orleans alone is responsible for bringing in millions of dollars on a yearly basis, roughly $6.4 million or more.
Overall, it's been suggested that the commercial bail bond industry is a multi-billion dollar industry.
Not Just New Orleans...
Legal experts have criticized the bail bond system and asserted that it's unconstitutional in the way that it prevents due process and inhibits equal protection for all.
Consider that for some people, once they do finally make it to court, they might end-up being found not guilty. Or they might only receive probation etc. Ultimately, the bail bond system enables people to be held and incarcerated while they are supposed to still be presumed innocent.
Those behind the report don't suggest that everyone just be set free while they are awaiting trial. Violent offenders for example, who are deemed to be a risk to the community, have reason to be restrained. However, because so many have seen a problem with this system, various regions are now moving toward alternatives.
Just a couple of months ago,..
it was reported that various civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, were launching a crusade against the bail bond industry, admitting they want to put an end to the for-profit bail system.
They say the current system unfairly punishes the poor and fuels mass incarceration issues. They have also alleged that they will be looking to expose the industry's efforts to supposedly influence lawmakers.
There is a growing movement around the country that's looking to drastically reform this system and you can already find many different regions looking to opt for replacing bail with various alternatives.
Some courts are looking to prioritize any and all other options besides upfront money payments as a way to try and ensure someone will return to court.
And a variety of regions have effectively outlawed commercial bail bonds or money-based detention. They also opt to release individuals on recognizance which is a promise that they will eventually pay if they fail to meet a myriad of conditions related to their release.
