The United States has the dubious distinction of imprisoning so many of its residents that the situation is referred to as mass incarceration. This large number of people held behind bars includes many who have not yet been convicted of a crime. They are unable to pay their cash Bail in El Reno OK. They may still be hoping that a relative or friend will arrange for a surety bond so they can be released.
Under Scrutiny
The criminal justice system in this country has been under scrutiny because of accusations that it is racially biased and strongly connected with social inequality. One of the more common allegations is that someone who can afford an expensive private lawyer typically has a better outcome in a felony case than a person relying on a public defender. The cash bail system is another problem, as low-income men and women often have to stay in jail before trial. Their wealthier peers are released.
Surety Bonds
Exchanging cash for freedom seems inherently unfair to anyone who cannot afford bail, and to bail reform advocates throughout the nation. Defendants who cannot afford cash bail in El Reno OK have the option of acquiring a surety bond, but this is difficult to arrange while locked in jail. A family member or friend must take responsibility for doing so, which requires paying a fee that is 10 percent of the bail.
Not everyone has this cash readily available in savings, although it is substantially lower than the full bail amount. The defendant may need to wait until a few relatives can scrape together that amount or at least a down payment for the service fee. For some, having to stay in jail becomes intolerable, and they accept a plea bargain instead of waiting for a possible more positive outcome.
Freedom Before Trial
Many defendants are in jail after being charged with nonviolent crimes, such as burglary and drug possession. Others are accused of offenses like armed robbery or aggravated assault. Agencies like Ken Boyer Bail Bonds help defendants regain their freedom before trial whether those individuals are guilty or not. They believe this is how the criminal justice system should work.
