Press Contact: Jeremy Cherson, Director of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(ATLANTA, GA) — As previously announced, Georgia Senate Bill 63 forced The Bail Project to terminate its operations in the state. A preliminary injunction issued by United States District Court Judge Victoria Calvert blocked Section 4 of the law, which limited anyone from posting more than three bonds per year, from taking effect, stating a likelihood the law violates the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and that there would be “irreparable injury” if this section of the law went into effect. The Bail Project issued the following statement in response:
“We are thrilled to announce the resumption of our operations in Atlanta, reaffirming our commitment to ending wealth-based detention. The cash bail system is fundamentally flawed: it ties the presumption of innocence to wealth, creating a two-tiered system of justice. Those with money can buy their freedom, while those without funds remain jailed without having been convicted of anything, even when they pose no threat to others. When we unnecessarily incarcerate people simply because they are too poor to pay bail, they risk losing their jobs, their homes, and their ability to care for their families – outcomes which only make us less safe. It is a system that reinforces racial and economic disparities in criminal justice and chips away at due process.
“The Bail Project’s work is about demonstrating a more just, safe, and equitable alternative, one where the presumption of innocence is not tied to the size of one’s bank account, and where incarceration is not the default response to issues of poverty and public health. Our support of 31,000 people nationwide – including 1,600 in Atlanta – who returned to 91% of their court dates provides compelling evidence that cash bail is unnecessary, and that investment in better pretrial infrastructure and supportive services offers better solutions. We’re grateful for this ruling and hope that it becomes permanent.”
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.
