Utah Makes Another Attempt at Reforming Cash-Bail

 


Utah lawmakers are taking another crack at moving the state away from a cash bail-based system that has freed or released people based on their wealth rather than the severity of their crimes.

Officials plan on doing that by instructing magistrates and judges to focus on a person’s risk level when setting the conditions of his or her release from jail before trial. And while the courts can still impose bail in these situations, the proposal says they should adjust the amounts based on the person’s financial status and ability to pay.

This plan that’s coming before state lawmakers in this week’s special session is the result of months of negotiation, and it’s something defense attorneys, bail bondsmen and sheriffs all say they can get behind.

“Is it perfect? No,” Steve Burton, executive director of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said during a Tuesday legislative committee hearing. “But is it something we feel like is progressive and helps create a more fair system than we had before? Yes.”

To see more CLICK HERE.

Other news- Bail reform advances in Utah legislature CLICK HERE.


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