Cash Bond Reform
The Issue
Requiring cash bail before an initial court hearing can result in extended detention for individuals who cannot afford it, even though they have not yet been convicted of a crime. This detention can have a significant impact on people’s lives, affecting their ability to maintain jobs and their homes, especially for low-income residents.
The Solution
This ordinance eliminates cash bonds to secure release from the City of Atlanta Detention Center following an arrest for violation of city ordinances.
All too often, this system has forced destitute and low-income people behind bars for extended periods of time for low-level offenses simply because of their inability to post cash bond. The enforcement of cash bail jeopardizes family unity and people’s employment. Poverty will no longer be criminalized in the City of Atlanta.
