On August 25, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to take steps to end the use of cashless bail in jurisdictions across the United States.
The order instructs the Attorney General, Pam Bondi to compile a list of states and localities with such policies. It also calls for federal departments to identify grants and contracts that may be suspended or terminated in those areas, subject to applicable law.
The executive order outlines its purpose as maintaining public safety by ensuring that individuals deemed a “clear ongoing risk to society” are incarcerated pending trial. It claims that when “these individuals are released without bail under city or State policies, they are permitted -even encouraged—to further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced.”
The White House has issued a statement accompanying the executive order, alleging that cashless bail policies have contributed to increased crime rates and repeat offenses. The statement claims that “dangerous predators are being set free to offend again and again,” particularly in cities like Washington, D.C. It further asserts that the “Radical Left’s fantasy of so-called ‘cashless bail’ has turned the streets of America’s cities into hunting grounds for repeat criminals who mock our justice system by committing crime after crime without consequence.” The statement cites several specific incidents from recent years, including cases in New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., where individuals released without bail were subsequently accused of additional violent crimes.
Cashless bail is a specific approach to broader bail reform. It generally means people accused of most nonviolent offenses are released before trial without having to pay money. Instead of setting a cash amount, judges use factors like flight risk and public safety to decide release conditions. The aim is to avoid detaining people just because they can’t afford bail.
Currently, there’s no clear evidence linking cashless bail or bail reform to increased crime rates. Experts and multiple studies disagree with Trump’s theory, stating that data is inconclusive or shows no significant impact.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
