Stories - The Bail Project

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A family like Sandra’s. Read her story below.

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Someone like Robert. Read his story below.

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Donate to pay someone’s bail today.

Someone like Michael. Read his story below.

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Donate to pay someone’s bail today.

Someone like Ashley. Read her story below.

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Donate to bring someone home today.

Someone like Sherry. Read her story below.

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Phoenix client, Christopher, in a baseball cap sitting on steps outside

CLIENT STORIES

Sick Behind Bars: How a $750 Bail Led to Jail and Failing Health

Held in jail on low level charges, Christopher didn’t receive proper medical treatment for his sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disorder.

Melissa EtehadDecember 10, 2022

A family standing next to each other, in the sun amongst trees and homes

CLIENT STORIES VIDEO

Because of Cash Bail, Andrea Nearly Missed her Son’s High School Graduation

The majority of incarcerated women in jails are mothers with children under 18, like Andrea, a single-mother of six from Louisville. Most incarcerated women haven't been convicted of a crime,…

Shannon SoperNovember 23, 2022

St. Louis client, Christopher, standing outside under trees

CLIENT STORIES

Gulf War Veteran Couldn’t Afford $1,000 Bail – In Jail, His PTSD Became Worse

Christopher, who struggles with addiction and mental illness brought on by combat experience, struggled to find mental health care in jail.

Melissa EtehadNovember 11, 2022

Houston client, Hervis, standing outside in the shade amongst greenery, in a striped polo and blue jeans

CLIENT STORIES

Upending Democracy: Texas Man Arrested at the Ballot Box

Hervis was arrested and held on $100k bail for allegedly voting while on parole.

Melissa EtehadNovember 8, 2022

A man in a white shirt standing in a rural field.

CLIENT STORIES VIDEO

No Money, No Freedom: Cash Bail in Rural Kentucky

Low-income defendants in rural America are impacted in unique ways, yet their experiences are often overlooked. We talked to people throughout Kentucky — where incarceration rates are higher than the…

Shannon SoperOctober 21, 2022

Phoenix Client, Lisa, outside of UEI College in the shade

CLIENT STORIES

Lisa Was Incarcerated for a Single Missed Court Date

Lisa is from the Hopi Tribe. At age 46, she was on track to graduate college when an unexpected charge landed her in jail.

Melissa EtehadOctober 13, 2022

St. Louis Client sitting on a porch chair in a jacket and hat

CLIENT STORIES LEARN

Punished for Illness: Mental Health Crisis Leads to Jail Time

Jaylen’s mental health crisis led to his arrest. Cash bail made his situation worse. Fortunately, his grandmother intervened.

Melissa EtehadOctober 3, 2022

CLIENT STORIES

Falsely Accused: How Cash Bail Upended Nicole’s Life

Nicole was in the midst of buying a house, completing an internship, and raising her children when she learned the state of Oklahoma was building a criminal case against her.

Melissa EtehadSeptember 22, 2022

Los Angeles client, Sandra, standing outside

CLIENT STORIES

High Bail Nearly Cost Sandra Custody of Her Three Children

Family separation is just one of the many devastating consequences of the cash bail system.

Melissa EtehadSeptember 21, 2022

Bruce, a Louisville client, in a jersey, dribbling a basketball outside

CLIENT STORIES

Hoop Dreams: Bruce Used Basketball to Heal a Hurt Community

To channel Louisville’s pain and unrest after Breonna Taylor’s murder, activist Bruce created an after school basketball program for kids. He was arrested for protesting.

Melissa EtehadSeptember 9, 2022

Donate to reunite a family today.

A family like Sandra’s. Read her story below.

Donate to bring someone home today.

Someone like Robert. Read his story below.

Donate to pay someone’s bail today.

Someone like Michael. Read his story below.

Donate to pay someone’s bail today.

Someone like Ashley. Read her story below.

Donate to bring someone home today.

Someone like Sherry. Read her story below.

CLIENT STORIES

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