In the U.S., about 70% of people in jail are held pretrial, awaiting court action. From the point of arrest or contact with law enforcement to adjudication, states can vary in their pretrial release policies, including conditions for release (bail and bond), pretrial services and legal frameworks for release decisions, as they balance fairness in the criminal justice system while also maintaining public safety.
Join NCSL as we talk to Illinois Sen. Elgie Sims (D) and Delaware Sen. Brian Pettyjohn (R) about policy trends and recent state action in pretrial policy.