All Posts

Somewhere in Olympia, right now, four public defense organizations are trying to push through the biggest change to Washington's bail system in decades. They're doing it through a court rulemaking process most residents have never heard of. And they've specifically asked that there be no public hearing. That last part is worth repeating. They filed their proposal with the Washington Supreme Court and wrote, on page one: "A public hearing is not recommended." They don't want y

There's a detail in Washington's proposed bail overhaul that changes everything about how the criminal justice system works — and almost nobody is talking about it. Everyone's focused on the $200 misdemeanor bail cap. That's the headline. But buried in the same proposal is a provision that applies to the entire criminal docket, misdemeanors and felonies alike: a "strong presumption" that defendants can satisfy any bail amount by depositing 10% directly with the court clerk. A

Pop quiz. Can the same institution hold your money, decide your case, and keep what you owe if you lose? If you said "no, that sounds like a conflict of interest," congratulations — you have better instincts than the people drafting Washington's new bail rules . Here's what's being proposed. The Washington Supreme Court is considering a rule that creates a "strong presumption" letting defendants post 10% of their bail directly wit h the court clerk. Not just for small cases.

The people most likely to be victims of theft, assault, and harassment are disproportionately low-income. Washington's bail proposal has 84 footnotes — zero address the impact on crime victims.

Here’s a math problem nobody in Olympia wants you to do. Washington’s Supreme Court is considering a rule change that would cap bail at $200 for most misdemeanor crimes. Same rule creates a “strong presumption” that defendants only need to post 10% of that amount. A clerk takes the cash, defendant walks. Ten percent of $200 is $20. Somebody steals from your store? Twenty bucks and they’re gone. Somebody harasses you at work? Twenty bucks. Somebody trashes your car, trespasses

Public safety is a topic that affects everyone. It is not just about police presence or emergency services. It encompasses a wide range of issues that impact our daily lives. From crime rates to health emergencies, public safety plays a crucial role in our communities. Understanding its importance can help us appreciate the efforts made to keep us safe. In this blog post, we will explore why public safety matters. We will look at evidence-based insights that highlight its sig

In recent years, pretrial release programs have gained attention for their potential to change lives. These programs aim to provide alternatives to incarceration for individuals awaiting trial. Instead of being locked up, many are given the chance to remain in their communities, maintain jobs, and support their families. This blog post will explore real stories that highlight the impact of these programs, showcasing how they can transform lives and communities. Understanding

The no-cash bail system was introduced with the promise of fairness and equality. It aimed to eliminate the financial barriers that often kept low-income individuals in jail while wealthier defendants could buy their freedom. However, as this system has been implemented in various jurisdictions, it has faced significant criticism and scrutiny. In this blog post, we will explore the failures of the no-cash bail system, examining its impact on communities, the justice system, a