New Jersey's cashless bail system, introduced over a decade ago, has been hailed nationally as a model of reform in criminal justice. The system eliminated the need for monetary bail, reducing the number of people incarcerated before trial and significantly lowering jail populations. However, both front-runners in the gubernatorial race, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, have expressed concerns about the current risk-based system.
Sherrill supports the concept of cashless bail but is concerned that defendants who don't show up for court are still not being held accountable, while those accused of violent crimes may be released too easily. She has proposed improving the system by implementing electronic monitoring and other measures to ensure public safety.
Ciattarelli, on the other hand, blames bail reform for repeat offenders, arguing that the system allows violent and repeat criminals to walk free. He plans to appoint conservative judges and prosecutors and revise the current law to tighten rules governing juvenile offenders. Ciattarelli also claims that cashless bail has created a "professional criminal" who learns how to game the system.
Despite concerns raised by both candidates, proponents of cashless bail argue that these criticisms are often rooted in a lack of understanding about how the system works. Former Governor Chris Christie, a Republican who signed the 2014 bail reform law, defended the system, stating that it's been successful and has reduced crime rates. He also noted that the federal system uses similar risk-based factors to determine pretrial incarceration.
Data supports Christie's claims. According to a 2023 report, the state's county jail population has decreased by nearly 40%, with most people released within 24 hours. Defendants who are released before trial have an extremely low recidivism rate of less than 1% annually for serious crimes like violent felonies.
However, advocates and policymakers who support cashless bail caution against rushing to change the system without considering evidence-based data. They argue that concerns about repeat offenders and public safety should be addressed through targeted measures rather than revising a successful reform law.
As the gubernatorial election approaches, it remains to be seen whether New Jersey's cashless bail system will be preserved or altered in response to growing criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Sherrill supports the concept of cashless bail but is concerned that defendants who don't show up for court are still not being held accountable, while those accused of violent crimes may be released too easily. She has proposed improving the system by implementing electronic monitoring and other measures to ensure public safety.
Ciattarelli, on the other hand, blames bail reform for repeat offenders, arguing that the system allows violent and repeat criminals to walk free. He plans to appoint conservative judges and prosecutors and revise the current law to tighten rules governing juvenile offenders. Ciattarelli also claims that cashless bail has created a "professional criminal" who learns how to game the system.
Despite concerns raised by both candidates, proponents of cashless bail argue that these criticisms are often rooted in a lack of understanding about how the system works. Former Governor Chris Christie, a Republican who signed the 2014 bail reform law, defended the system, stating that it's been successful and has reduced crime rates. He also noted that the federal system uses similar risk-based factors to determine pretrial incarceration.
Data supports Christie's claims. According to a 2023 report, the state's county jail population has decreased by nearly 40%, with most people released within 24 hours. Defendants who are released before trial have an extremely low recidivism rate of less than 1% annually for serious crimes like violent felonies.
However, advocates and policymakers who support cashless bail caution against rushing to change the system without considering evidence-based data. They argue that concerns about repeat offenders and public safety should be addressed through targeted measures rather than revising a successful reform law.
As the gubernatorial election approaches, it remains to be seen whether New Jersey's cashless bail system will be preserved or altered in response to growing criticism from both sides of the aisle.
. As someone who's been following the conversation, I think he's being a bit too harsh on defendants who don't show up for court 
. I mean, isn't that just another example of systemic issues like poverty and lack of resources? He wants to blame cashless bail for repeat offenders, but what about holding judges and prosecutors accountable for releasing violent criminals in the first place? We need to focus on addressing these underlying problems rather than scapegoating an entire system 
. Can't we just tweak it instead of tearing it apart? 
... I mean, who actually wants to change a system that's been working just fine for over a decade? It's like trying to fix a good recipe because someone had a bad experience with one of the ingredients. The data's not even on their side - 40% less people in jail and a recidivism rate of less than 1%! Sounds like they're doing something right. And what's wrong with having some leeway for defendants who don't show up to court? It's just common sense... instead of trying to micromanage everything, maybe we should be focusing on getting more resources into our communities and addressing the root causes of crime.
... like, isn't the whole point of having a court date to make sure they're there?! 
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, you know? Introduced over 10 years ago and it's already had such a huge impact on the state's jail population 
. I mean, 40% fewer people in jail? That's wild 
! But at the same time, I can see why both Sherrill and Ciattarelli are getting concerned. It does seem like there's a bit of a gray area between defendants who just don't show up for court and those who might be more likely to go violent 
.
. I guess only time will tell what happens with New Jersey's cashless bail system 
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, have you guys tried it? I mean, I love their waffles, but what really sets them apart is that they use sustainable ingredients and support local farmers 
. I'm not saying it's perfect, but hey, every little bit counts, right? And speaking of counting, did you know that the average person spends around 4 hours a day staring at screens? Like, what even is that? Can't we all just take a break and enjoy the fresh air for once?
. It's not about tearing down what's working, but about making it even better 
.