Sen. Gillibrand seeks to eliminate current cash bail system

<p>Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for legislation that would eliminate the current cash bail system ahead of the expected Congress vote on criminal justice reform.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 16, 2018, 10:21 PM

Updated 1,958 days ago

Share:

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for legislation that would eliminate the current cash bail system ahead of the expected Congress vote on criminal justice reform.
The bail system is not a part of the First Step Act which, if passed in Monday's Congressional vote, will retroactively reduce the disparity between crack and cocaine sentences, ease mandatory minimums and increase the credits well-behaved inmates can put toward early release.
That's why Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is proposing a bill called the "No Cash Bail Act."
In a statement, Gillibrand said, "There are thousands of New Yorkers sitting in jail right now simply because they cannot pay their bail. We should not be locking people up just because they don't have the financial means to afford their bail."
Civil rIghts Attorney Fred Brewington says cash bail disproportionately affects the poor and people of color.
"We have implicit bias that does exist--a judge may look at a person and evaluate them based on what they look like and not necessarily on factors that are related to whether or not they'll be returning to court."
Gotterher says “here at home things must change to have a fairer system.”
According to the ACLU, the for-profit bail industry makes between $1.4 to $2 billion each year.


More from News 12
0:24
Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

1:45
Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds Saturday afternoon in Connecticut

Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds Saturday afternoon in Connecticut

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

1:46
Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm