PERCENTAGE DEPOSIT BAIL SYSTEM - AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE PROFESSIONAL BONDSMAN

• NCJ Number: 14662
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (WINTER 1973) Pages: 299-317
• Author(s): J E CONKLIN; D MEAGHER
• Date Published: 1973
• Length: 19 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Massachusetts Cmtte on Criminal Justice
• Corporate Author: Pergamon Press, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BONDSMEN IN PREVENTING DEFAULTS AS COMPARED TO THE PERCENTAGE BAIL SYSTEM IN DORCHESTER AND CAMBRIDGE COURTS, WITH TABLES OF DEFAULT PERCENTAGES, METHODS OF RELEASE, AND BAIL LEVELS.

Abstract

BAIL BONDSMEN IN THE UNITED STATES HELP DEFENDANTS GAIN PRETRIAL RELEASE. THE PREMINUMS PAID TO BONDSMEN ARE NOT RETURNED TO THE DEFENDANTS. A PERCENTAGE DEPOSIT BAIL PROJECT IN TWO MASSACHUSETTS COURTS ALLOWED DEFENDANTS TO GAIN THEIR RELEASE BY DEPOSITING 5 PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT OF BAIL WITH THE COURT. THESE DEPOSITS WERE RETURNED IN FULL TO THE DEFENDANTS UPON COMPLETION OF THEIR CASES, SAVING THEM LARGE SUMS OF MONEY. MOREOVER, THE RATE AT WHICH DEFENDANTS FAILED TO APPEAR IN COURT AS SCHEDULED WAS NO HIGHER UNDER THIS PERCENTAGE DEPOSIT SYSTEM THAN UNDER THE TRADITIONAL BAIL BONDSMAN SYSTEM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)