Offering social services to those awaiting trial
In February of last year, Illinois became the first state in the country to eliminate cash bail. What is cash bail? If someone has been arrested, and is unable to pay the bail amount, they may have to rely on a predatory bail bond company to borrow money to get out, or sit in jail until their court date, even though they’re presumed innocent.
This practice will end in Illinois beginning in January of next year, but beyond just eliminating cash bail, advocates say much more needs to be done. The 21st was joined by the leader of a restorative justice organization, a project director from The Bail Project, and someone affected by the policy.
GUESTS:
Cliff Nellis
Executive Director, Lawndale Christian Legal Center
Matthew McFarland
Project Director of the Community Release with Support Chicago Project, The Bail Project
Deshawn Nelson
Former client, Lawndale Christian Legal Center | Owner, Mr. Nelsons Movers
Chokeholds are banned.
— Injustice Watch (@injusticewatch) February 23, 2021
Body cameras are mandatory.
Cash bail is no more.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed these reforms and many more into law. Read our latest roundup to learn more about this historic criminal justice reform.https://t.co/OQgLrB26q1
Prepared for web by Owen Henderson
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