Don’t Believe These Three Big Bail Bonding Myths
Bail reform advocates have fought fiercely to convince the American public that eliminating cash bail bonding is in the best interest of citizens. Unfortunately, the basis of their claims is flawed. The rhetoric cash bail bonding reform advocates spout is wrought with myths and misinformation as a result. Our Denver bail agents are here to set the record straight on three popular false claims about bail bonding.
MYTH: Jails Are Full of First Time, Non-Violent Offenders
Many bail reform advocates will tell all of those who will listen about the injustice of bail bonding after an arrest. They’ll claim that those awaiting bail are typically innocent or first-time offenders arrested for a non-violent crime. Unfortunately, only 2% of California’s jail population are non-violent offenders with no prior arrests, and the numbers in most other U.S. states aren’t much better. Many states do have laws prohibiting first-time low-level offenders from being held in jail. Bail reform advocates drastically misconstrue these facts – and by removing judge’s discretion to hold high-risk offenders on bail, they put the safety of the public at risk.
MYTH: Cash Bail Bonds Don’t Affect Court Attendance
Contrary to this common claim, the U.S. Justice Department has found from extensive research that the cash bail system is the most effective way to ensure that defendants don’t miss their court hearings. In states that implement a ban on cash bail bonding, attendance at scheduled court appearances drop dramatically. This increases the risk that violent offenders will run from the law with no system to ensure accountability for their crimes (and safety for their victims).
MYTH: There’s No Regulation in the Cash Bail Industry
Contrary to this popular claim, the bail bonding industry is subject to stringent regulations and oversight. Every bail agent must be licensed, meet strict financial standards, and undergo intensive training. Consumers can easily report unlicensed or unprofessional bail agents to governing boards like the Department of Insurance. If licensed bail agents don’t uphold all requirements, the state can remove their license or even charge bail agents criminally.
Think Twice Before Believing the Bail Reform Ruse
Most systems have room for improvement, and the bail bonding system is no exception. Unfortunately, the push to eliminate cash bail is based on myths like the three outlined above. Our Denver bail bondsmen advise citizens to think twice and do their own research before voting potentially dangerous bail reform bills into effect.
