Five ways that secured bail systems help with public safety:
1. 1. Encourages defendants to show up to court: By
requiring defendants to pay a sum of money as bail, they have a financial
incentive to show up for their court appearances. This reduces the likelihood
that they will flee or skip bail, which can lead to a warrant for their arrest
and increased danger to the public.
2. 2. Deters criminal behavior: The threat of losing
money if a defendant is rearrested or fails to appear in court can deter them
from engaging in criminal behavior while they are out on bail.
3. 3. Protects victims and witnesses: Keeping
defendants in custody through secured bail can protect victims and witnesses
from potential threats or intimidation. If a defendant is not in custody, they
may try to intimidate witnesses or harm victims.
4. 4. Helps ensure public safety: Secured bail systems
allow for judges to deny bail to defendants who are deemed dangerous to the
community. This can prevent potentially dangerous individuals from being
released and posing a threat to public safety.
5. 5. Offsets costs to taxpayers: Secured bail systems
help offset the costs of pretrial detention by requiring defendants or their
families to pay for their own housing. This reduces the financial burden on
taxpayers, who would otherwise have to cover the full cost of pretrial
detention.
