The Coronavirus Pandemic and Bail Reform

New London CT

13 August, 2020

10:39 PM

Description

The Coronavirus pandemic has interrupted, at least for now, the bail reform discussion taking place in New London and other major jurisdictions in Connecticut. The biggest discussion centered on the alleged inequities in the bail system. Whatever the merits of that discussion, the question on the mind of the average Connecticut citizen is “What system is fair and will keep me safe in my home and community”? Under the present system a defendant can be released awaiting trial if they pay bail, a set amount of cash determined by the severity of the crime and the likelihood the defendant will make their court appointments. The issue of affordability is what is driving the debate. One solution has been to let defendants enjoy their freedom while awaiting trial without any restrictions or cash payment for certain non-violent crimes. While that solution and others like it may be an answer to the “what is fair” piece of the question, it fails the “keep me safe” segment in several ways that are now apparent. The bail policy many reform supporters support is similar to the one enacted by New York State in 2019. That law eliminates bail for most nonviolent crimes. The law has been in place now for 18 months and the results aren’t good. In a report filed recently on WWNY TV Assembly Minority Leader Will Barkley said "Homicides are up 21 percent and burglaries are up 31 percent". An article in the Wall Street Journal reported that crime was up in New York City for several categories, vehicle theft seeing the highest increase. A statement from the NYPD stated that “criminal justice reforms serve as a significant reason New York City has seen this uptick in crime.” In New London Connecticut, citizens may be getting a preview of things to come if bail reform legislation is passed. The lockdown from the pandemic resulted in a drop in crime for many localities. At the same time, a Coronavirus outbreak in many state prisons forced the release of 727 prisoners. The Connecticut prison population is now at a 30 year low. While many prisoners are being released fewer are being processed into the system. The result is an uptick in crime in New London, Norwich and other Connecticut cities once the lockdown was lifted. With these facts in mind, it is obvious that the current bail system in Connecticut serves the public interest. Violent, habitual criminals are kept off the street. Meanwhile, most citizens can remain free while their cases make way through the court system. 3-D Bail Bonds in New London is available throughout the state for people seeking help navigating bail and the Connecticut justice system. They are within minutes of any jurisdiction in the state. They have great financial programs that will fit any defendant’s budget. With over 2 decades in the bail industry there isn’t a question they can’t answer and few problems within the bail process they can’t help with. Getting arrested is never a good experience. Sitting in jail is worse. If you or a loved one is experiencing either, 3-D Bail Bonds is the obvious solution. No other agency will treat you or your loved ones with the compassion, respect, and courtesy that they will.