Why Cash Bail Bonds Are An Important Part Of The Justice System

In recent years, there has been a move among legal experts to abolish the bail bond system and replace it with something that could track offenders and be more fair to those who can't afford bail. This is thought to be a better idea for those who don't have the means to pay in money, so they don't have to sit in jail while they wait for their trial. However, it is important to maintain the cash bail bond system to help maintain the legal system as a whole. There are reasons why the cash bail system should remain intact.

Assurance of Return to Court

The primary reason for cash bail bonds is to ensure that the person who is accused of a crime when released will return for their court date. It is believed that many accused would not return to court if they are released pre-trial. It is thought by some law enforcement that there would be no one there to enforce or ensure that they would appear. Cash bonds typically ensure that those who are slated to appear in court for trial will show up, and the failure to appear rate will not go up.

Non-Violent Crimes

Part of the proposed legislation on reforming the bond system is that those who have committed non-violent crimes such as misdemeanors would not have to pay cash to be released. It is believed that it is not fair for those who have not harmed anyone to remain in jail awaiting trial simply because they may not be able to afford bail while those who can afford it are able to walk free until their trial. There are hundreds of offenders sitting in jail for non-violent crimes that some experts say are costing the tax payers money when it isn't necessary to do so if they can pay a bond to be released.

However, this is not necessarily the case. It has not been proven that those who have committed non-violent crimes are more likely to attend their court date than violent offenders. While there are those who would return to appear in court, there are just as many who may skip their appearance.

No Viable Alternative

Cash bail bonds ensure the public is protected against potential offenders not facing up to their charges and at the moment, there is no viable alternative in place. It is thought that if cash bonds are eliminated, that the only alternative would be to keep everyone who is arrested for any type of crime behind bars until their trial. This could lead to serious overcrowding of the prison system. When an accused pays a bond, or their family does, they are held accountable for their actions and they are more likely to return to court to face their charges. Contact a bail bondsman for more information.  

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