In California, Banning Bail Doesn’t Level the Playing Field
“But for many low-income Americans, even a small bail amount is prohibitive, forcing them to go to a bail bondsman (whose fee, typically 10 percent to 15 percent but limited in some states , is non-refundable even if the person is found not guilty) or to stay in jail through the trial. Criminal justice reform advocates say that sets a two-tier justice standard: one for wealthy people, and one for the poor. California recently became the first state in the nation to ban cash bail. But reformists say the law doesn’t fix the problem. The critics include the Essie Justice Group, a California-based nonprofit focused on helping women who have loved ones in jail or prison.”