Lately,
there’s been a lot of talk about eliminating “cash bonds/bail” in
Michigan. Some progressive states, like
California, have been working towards that stance in recent years. Essentially, this movement stands for the
idea that people should either be released on their promise to comply with
court orders (with or without protective conditions) or be held in jail (on the
most serious offenses).
Traditionally,
judges and magistrates require some cash payment (called a “bond or a bail”) to
help insure the person’s compliance with court orders (i.e., returning to court
dates; not having contact with a protected person; not drinking alcohol or
using controlled substances, etc.).
Proponents of eliminating cash bonds believe the system is both
unnecessary and culturally biased, disproportionate, and unfair.
Interested in finding out more? Read about bail and bond in Michigan on our website!
