NCJ Number
65364
Date Published
1980
Length
47 pages
Annotation
DESIGNED FOR PERSONS INTERESTED IN ORGANIZING AND OPERATING A COMMUNITY BAIL FUND, THIS BOOKLET EXPLAINS HOW THE BAIL SYSTEM WORKS AND DISCUSSES HOW IT CAN BE CHANGED.
Abstract
THE BOOKLET IS ORGANIZED IN A CONVENIENT 'HOW-TO' APPROACH, IN A QUESTION AND ANSWER FORMAT. BAIL IS JUST ASSURANCE THAT AN ARRESTED PERSON CHARGED WITH A CRIMINAL OFFENSE WILL APPEAR FOR TRIAL. THE MEANS OF ASSURANCE VARY, BUT GENERALLY THEY INCLUDE GUARANTEES BY THE DEFENDANT, ASSURANCES BY A THIRD PARTY (FRIEND OR RELATIVE), THE DEPOSITING OF MONEY OR PROPERTY AS SECURITY, OR THE INTERVENTION OF A PRIVATE BAIL BONDSMAN. THE BOOKLET EXPLAINS HOW TO ORGANIZE A BASE OF SUPPORT FOR A COMMUNITY BAIL FUND, INCLUDING LEGAL ISSUES AND FUNDING. IT TELLS HOW TO WORK WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, WITH DISCUSSION COVERING PRETRIAL JUSTICE, HOW BAIL IS POSTED, HOW THE MONEY IS RETURNED, AND HOW TO RELATE TO PERSONNEL IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. SUGGESTIONS ARE OFFERED ON HOW TO WORK WITH DEFENDANTS, WHO SHOULD BE RELEASED FROM JAIL, THE SERVICES NEEDED BY DEFENDANTS, AND WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DEFENDANT MISSES A COURT DATE OR IS REARRESTED WHILE ON BAIL. ALTERNATIVES TO THE MONEY BAIL SYSTEM ARE PROPOSED (RELEASE ON RECOGNIZANCE, 10-PERCENT CASH BAIL, AND SUBSTITUTION OF A PERSON'S WORK WITH A FOLLOWUP NOTICE FROM THE COURT). SUGGESTED REFORM MEASURES ENCOMPASS THE AREAS OF LEGISLATION, LITIGATION, AND COURT RULES. SAMPLE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, SAMPLE BYLAWS, AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY ARE APPENDED. (PRG)