On May 4, 2021, the Texas House passed a new bill to change how detainees on criminal charges can come out of custody on bail. This bail reform now partially requires authorities to employ a risk assessment evaluation before coming up with any bail decisions. And it bans cashless release for people facing charges for violent or sexual crimes. Keep reading to get a brief explanation of the Texas House Bill 20 and to whom it may apply.
What You Need to Know
Ever since 2017, there have been calls to make changes to rules for fixing bail in Texas. The reason for this was the tragic death of a state trooper, Damon Allen, who was shot by a person out on bail. House Bill 20 bears his name, honoring his service to the great state of Texas and its citizens.
Andrew Murr, the author of the bill, says that the goal is to strike a balance. It’s supposed to prevent people with a serious criminal history from going out on bail, while releasing low-risk, disadvantaged defendants. But the Texas legislature seems to overlook the poor, regardless of their past.
Punishing Those Who Can’t Pay?
The legislature urges judges to take a closer look at charges, and take responsibility for allowing certain criminals back into the public. Although state representative Murr talked about potential risks to the community, some fear House Bill 20 will negatively impact detainees with less money. Statistics suggest that more than 80% of people stuck behind jail bars in Texas are awaiting trial. Most of them can’t pay the cash amount of bail and are looking for bail bonds.
How Do Bail Bonds Work?
When determining the bail amount, the court decides on needed restrictions that ensure that you will come back to face the charges. Whether you pose a threat to the public is taken into consideration as well.
In order to pay the bail amount, you might need a bail bond. This type of surety allows for the release of certain defendants who have some form of collateral. Just like cash bail, bonds ensure that you will return to court when the time comes. Nevertheless, a bail bondsman will look into your background and history and determine whether to issue a bond. You will only pay a percentage of the overall bail amount in cash (10–30%).
Choose A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
Even if House Bill 20 pertains to bail bonds, they’re still here and available for purchase until the Senate decides otherwise. Hence, if you or someone you care for is in need of bail bonds, you can always count on A-EZ Out Bail Bonds. With our help, we’ll make sure you quickly acquire an affordable surety that will ensure coming out of jail. You can contact us by phone or mail any day of the week, and we’ll be more than willing to help you out in any way possible.