At Yahoo R. Peña remarks on the “SAFE-T Act”, soon to become effective in Illinois:
Illinois is passing a law that some would say will make history. Illinois is looking to be the first state in the United States to abolish cash bail. And the consequences of passing such a law have many believing the state could mirror the horror movie “The Purgeâ€. In the film, citizens were given 24 hours to commit all the crimes they wanted.
On January 1st of 2023 the ‘SAFE-T’ Act will commence in the state of Illinois. This act will get rid of the cash bail system in its entirety. The name SAFE-T is an acronym for ‘Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity-Today’. Those that instated the act believe it will reduce arrests and limit those put away based on the crime.
There are 12 non-detainable offenses where the new law would end cash bail. The law includes second-degree murder, arson, drug-induced homicide, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated battery, burglary, intimidation, aggravated driving under the influence, fleeing and eluding, drug offenses, and threatening a public official.
I understand the problems with the bail system. The SAFE-T Act should be reformed. The author proposes some ways.
I think that violent offenses should never be deemed “non-detainable”. If you’re concerned about equity, consider that most of the victims of these crimes are members of minorities.
One way in which the law could be reformed could, for example, be to prohibit states attorneys from negotiating detainable offenses down to non-detainable. Another would be to make individuals arrested having been non-detained ineligible for non-detention.
I think the surest way that the defects in the bail system could be remedied would be to ensure speedy trials.
I think the surest way that the defects in the bail system could be remedied would be to ensure speedy trials.
Why don’t we start with the J6 prisoners – some who have been incarcerated for well over a year for minor or made-up infractions/misdemeanors. As for the SAFE-T Act – it sounds like a sure way to promote more lawlessness than there already is. I just love how pieces of legislature oftentimes are labeled in ways that hide what their implementation will really do. Semantics and politics can create such unsavory partnerships.
Maybe defining speedy trial by placing firm time limits would force prosecutors to prioritize.
If the black mothers win , budgets will need to be tightened anyway.
Honestly, I’m just fortunate enough not to live in one of the American hellholes we call cities.