Press Contact: Devin McMahon, Manager of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, The Bail Project released Beyond Bail: A National Survey of Pretrial Justice Reform in the United States, the first comprehensive report of its kind detailing legislative and policy changes that are reshaping pretrial practices across the country.
With nearly half a million people incarcerated pretrial on any given day – most simply because they cannot afford bail – this report examines the successes, setbacks, and ongoing challenges in the fight to end wealth-based detention. Beyond Bail spotlights 36 examples of states and localities eliminating or restricting the use of cash bail, outlining key shifts such as the elimination of cash bail, the expansion of pretrial release, and the strengthening of due process protections.
“Beyond Bail lays out a roadmap for replacing wealth-based detention with a safer, fairer, and more effective pretrial system, proving that the momentum for real pretrial justice is stronger than ever,” said David Gaspar, Chief Executive Officer of The Bail Project. “Across the country, Americans from all political backgrounds agree: it’s time to end cash bail. The evidence is clear – bail reform works. It keeps communities safe and upholds the fundamental principles of justice.”
Key Findings from the Report
- The movement for pretrial justice reform is growing, with multiple states and localities taking significant steps to eliminate or restrict cash bail.
- Despite progress, some reforms have faced rollback efforts, underscoring the need for continued advocacy.
- Pretrial systems that prioritize supported pretrial release over detention have demonstrated high court appearance rates and improved public safety outcomes.
- Successful reform requires strong enforcement mechanisms and proper training for judges and other stakeholders to ensure fair and consistent application.
The full report, Beyond Bail: A National Survey of Pretrial Justice Reform in the United States, is available HERE.
Press Briefing on Report Findings
Join The Bail Project’s experts for an in-depth discussion of the national trends in pretrial justice reform.
- WHEN: Tomorrow, March 6, 2025 | 11am – 12pm PT / 2pm-3pm ET
- WHERE: Virtual (Zoom webinar). Register HERE.
For interviews and further information, please contact Devin McMahon, Manager of Communications at The Bail Project.
Thank you for your valuable attention. The urgency and complication of the cash bail crisis requires meaningful participation to create real change – change that is only achieved through the support of readers like you. Please consider sharing this piece with your networks and donating what you can today to sustain our vital work.
