We The Revolt

INITIATIVE

MIAMI AND HOUSTON BAIL REFORM

MIAMI AND HOUSTON BAIL REFORM

"Balancing the Scales"

This is an initiative that aims to address critical issues in the criminal justice system, particularly focusing on bail reform and other related justice concerns in Miami and Houston. This initiative is informed by the understanding that the current bail system disproportionately affects low-income and minority groups, leading to unjust pretrial detentions and perpetuating inequalities in the justice system.

58%
58% More Likely
INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF JAIL SENTENCING
Research reveals that pretrial detainees are over 58% more likely to receive jail sentences and 40% more likely to be sentenced to prison, highlighting the impact of pretrial detention on judicial outcomes (Dobbie, W., Goldin, J., & Yang, C. S., 2018).
$14B
Astronomical costs
$14 BILLION IN ANNUAL COSTS
The yearly cost of pretrial detention in the U.S. is estimated to exceed $14 billion, a substantial economic burden highlighting the need for reform in bail practices (Cohen, T. H., & Reaves, B. A., 2007).
50%
50% More Likely
INCREASE IN FUTURE CRIME RATES
Being held in pretrial detention is associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of committing future crimes, indicating the adverse long-term impacts of the current bail system on individuals and communities (Dobbie, W., Goldin, J., & Yang, C. S., 2018).

#FACTS

THINGS TO KNOW

1. DEEP DISPARITIES IN THE BAIL SYSTEM:

In the United States, the bail system often disproportionately affects low-income and minority individuals. People who cannot afford bail for non-violent offenses may experience prolonged detentions, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. This system often leads to a cycle of incarceration that primarily impacts marginalized communities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disadvantage.

2. IMPACT OF PRETRIAL DETENTION ON FUTURE CRIME AND EMPLOYMENT:

Pretrial detention has far-reaching effects beyond the immediate legal consequences. Research indicates that being held in pretrial detention can increase the likelihood of future criminal behavior and substantially decrease the chances of stable employment post-release. This creates a concerning feedback loop where initial pretrial detention contributes to ongoing socio-economic struggles and increases the likelihood of re-offending.

3. HIGH RISK OF HARSHER SENTENCING FOR PRETRIAL DETAINEES:

Studies show that individuals detained pretrial are significantly more likely to receive jail sentences and longer prison terms compared to those released before trial. This suggests that the inability to pay bail not only restricts freedom prior to a verdict but also influences the eventual outcome of judicial proceedings, often leading to harsher penalties.

4. DECRIMINALIZATION AS A TOOL FOR JUSTICE REFORM:

The decriminalization or legalization of certain non-violent offenses, particularly drug-related crimes, as implemented in states like Maryland and Colorado, is an emerging trend in justice reform. These policy changes are critical in reducing the burden on the criminal justice system, addressing racial disparities, and promoting more equitable outcomes.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND IMPORTANCE

  • Historical Context: The bail system has long been criticized for its disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities, where individuals are often unable to afford bail for non-violent offenses, leading to unnecessary and prolonged detentions.
  • Critical Importance: Reforming the bail system is essential to ensure fairness and equity in the criminal justice process. Bail reform can reduce the unnecessary incarceration of individuals who pose no threat to public safety, thus alleviating the burden on marginalized communities.

IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT:

In implementing this campaign, “We The Revolt” seeks to bring about transformative change in the criminal justice system of Miami and Houston, aiming for a more equitable and just system that serves the needs of all community members, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

For the “Miami and Houston Justice Reform Campaign” to effectively address bail reform and related justice issues, several key laws and bills might need to be changed, modified, or ratified.

These could include:

  • State Bail Laws: Legislation in Texas and Florida governing bail procedures and criteria would need to be reviewed and potentially reformed to ensure fairness and reduce disparities.
  • Pretrial Detention Legislation: Laws that dictate the terms and conditions of pretrial detention, particularly for non-violent offenses, may require modification.
  • Decriminalization or Legalization of Certain Offenses: Legislation related to the decriminalization or legalization of non-violent offenses, especially drug-related crimes, as seen in other states like Maryland and Colorado.

Each of these areas plays a significant role in ensuring a more equitable and just criminal justice system, particularly in the context of bail practices and pretrial detentions.

RESOURCES:

  • Stevenson, M. T. (2017). Assessing the impact of non-monetary pretrial release. Boston College Law Review, 58(6), 2295-2342.
  • Sacks, M., & Ackerman, A. R. (2014). Bail and sentencing: Does pretrial detention lead to harsher punishment? Criminal Justice Policy Review, 25(1), 59-77.
  • Cohen, T. H., & Reaves, B. A. (2007). Pretrial release of felony defendants in state courts. U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
  • Dobbie, W., Goldin, J., & Yang, C. S. (2018). The effects of pretrial detention on conviction, future crime, and employment: Evidence from randomly assigned judges. American Economic Review, 108(2), 201-240.
  • Subramanian, R., Delaney, R., Roberts, S., Fishman, N., & McGarry, P. (2015). Incarceration’s front door: The misuse of jails in America. Vera Institute of Justice.

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