MajorHoople
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What exactly does this "doing away with cash bail" mean?
I read the article but I still do not understand
No bail before trial?
The idea of bonding can get really complicated. I think I've noticed your comments on the British threads. Do you live in Britain? I know it's done differently over there.
Basically the idea of a cash bond (also called a bail bond) is to ensure that a defendant shows up for a trial rather than going on the run and ignoring their trial.
Often a defendant who is charged with a petty crime will be released from jail without paying anything if they promise to show up for their trial. This is called a "personal recognizance bond".
For serious felony charges a cash bond (some states call it an "appearance bond") is required. For example, a person who has been accused of drunk driving might have a bond of $10,000 before they can get out of jail. If they have the money or can raise the money it makes sense to pay the bond so they are not languishing in jail waiting their trial date. Because our courts are backed up it might take a year.
Paying a bond is not an admission of guilt, nor is it a fine. The defendant will have their money returned to them at the conclusion of the trial whether they are found guilty or innocent.
It looks to me like Illinois is going to release most all defendants from jail if they merely promise to show up for their trial, even if those crimes are serious felonies rather than just petty crimes.