Bail Reform and Cashless Bail Exposed: Why Free Release Policies Fail in the Real World

Bail reform advocates continue to push cashless bail as a proven success that reduces pretrial detention without harming public safety or court appearance rates, but this latest article from AIA Surety’s Vice President of Communications, Eric Granof, critiques the movement's claims and believes they belong squarely in Fantasyland. No matter how many fancy charts or activist studies that the Brennan Center for Justice or The Bail Project produce that claim free release on cashless bail is superior to traditional secured surety bonds through licensed bail agents, the evidence from actual jurisdictions tells a different story.  Cashless bail policies simply cannot match the accountability and effectiveness of financially secured release, yet these activist groups continue to flood the media with their research and propaganda.  They publish study after study claiming that free release programs are more effective and that they actually make us safer.

A prime example is the Marshall Project's recent article criticizing Texas’ new bail reform laws that restrict cashless bail.  In usual fashion, the Marshall Project uses hyperbole and makes false claims about previous failed bail reform efforts.  For example, in one instance they talk about the success in the landmark ODonnell v. Harris County case. What they don’t mention is that the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and overturned the original rulings more than seven times.  Below is an excerpt from the article…

Bail Reform Advocates Finally Have Proof That Bail Reform Works in One Jurisdiction…Fantasyland
By Eric Granof

No matter how many times they say it, or how many times they write it, free release on cashless bail will NEVER be as effective as release on a financially secured surety bond through a licensed bail agent. Since Donald Trump announced and signed his executive order on cashless bail, bail reform proponents have turned on the propaganda machine full force.  READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE>>>