'Paying ransom for freedom': How cash bail is keeping Black mothers stuck in prisons

[Jilly_in_VA]

In December, JaCari Letchaw’s dog wandered to a neighbor’s house, where it gave birth to puppies. Letchaw says when she tried to retrieve her dog and the puppies, a dispute broke out over who was the rightful owner of the puppies. She walked away, but later that night the Black single mother of five was arrested and eventually sent to Jefferson County’s jail in Birmingham, Alabama.

Her bail was set at $60,000 for a first-degree robbery charge. It was far more than she could afford; her most recent job had paid only $14 an hour. The monetary difference meant Letchaw would have to wait in jail until her trial started — which could be months away.

“I absolutely had no idea how I was going to pay my bail. There was no way possible. Sitting in there, I even lost my job,” Letchaw told NBC News.

She also almost lost her house while awaiting trial in jail for two weeks. She was only able to return home after a local social justice organization, Faith and Works, posted her bail on Christmas Day through its fund, In Defense of Black Lives. The group has a relationship with Birmingham’s sheriff’s department, which referred her case.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/paying-ransom-freedom-cash-bail-keeping-black-mothers-stuck-prisons-rcna15408
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Cash bail is immoral, not to mention the amounts cited in this story are RIDICULOUS

[Klaralven]

1. Charge description: "Robbery-Residence-Gun-2nd Degree"

http://birminghamjailsearch.birminghamal.gov/NewWorld.InmateInquiry/AL0010200/Inmate/Detail/-1088372

Armed robbery is a serious charge, although perhaps it was her son in possession of the gun.

Letchaw’s oldest son, who was with her during the neighborhood dispute, was also arrested and is currently in jail because the family can't afford to post his $90,000 bail.

[Jilly_in_VA]

2. Was not made clear in the article

Still, the cash bail is ridiculously high. Doubt it would be anywhere near that for white folks. Prove me wrong.

[madville]

3. What should bail be for armed robbery?

Quick search shows it usually ranges from $25k-100k nationwide. If you set the bail too low or have no bail and quick release then you start running into situations like in NYC where dangerous felons have been caught and released just to commit additional crimes within days or hours.

[Jilly_in_VA]

4. Might need to look at

things like prior record, economic status, etc. One size does NOT fit all. For the record, I am really anti-cash bail. I think it's like ransom.

[madville]

5. I have no problem with eliminating bail for

Misdemeanors, all should be released on their own recognizance.

I also think those arrested for violent/armed felonies should be held until trial without bail.

Obviously the best way to avoid being held in jail awaiting trial is to not commit serious crimes to begin with.

[Jilly_in_VA]

6. Apparently you're a real hard-liner

I'm not soft on crime, but come on.