Let’s Change Connecticut’s Pretrial Justice System
Why Reforming the Bail System is Critical
Every day, people are jailed simply because they can't afford the pay bail. We have a chance to change that. Support the movement for a fairer, safer, and more just pretrial system.
Why Bail Reform Matters
Injustice
People accused of low-level, non-violent offenses often stay in jail simply because they can't afford bail.
Public Cost
It costs Connecticut taxpayers millions annually to incarcerate people pre-trial who haven't been convicted.
Racial & Economic Disparity
Black and Latino defendants are disproportionately impacted by cash bail.
Public Safety & Fairness
Wealth should not determine freedom. Dangerous individuals can buy release while low-income individuals remain jailed.
What’s Happening Now?
Building National Momentum
There is existing momentum in Connecticut to enact a constitutional amendment that would make fundamental changes to the state's bail system.
Other states this change has happened in: Federal, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Illinois, Texas.
(proposed; latest House committee amendment from 2022)
The Problem
Connecticut's current pre-trial system harms communities & accused individuals.
These harms include:
o Loss of income
o Disruptions to family relationships
o Missed housing payments & potential eviction
o Financial strain on families and community
o Restricts individual's ability to prepare for trial
o Increased risk of rearrest after pretrial detention
o Forced plea agreements
The Change We Need
Connecticut must be a state where accused individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
1-in-3 people incarcerated in Connecticut have not been found guilty of their alleged crime.
*That data comes from Connecticut's OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT, CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICY, AND PLANNING DIVISION.
33%
Individuals incarcerated in Connecticut have not been found guilty of their alleged crime.
41%
Individuals incarcerated in Connecticut are Black, while Black residents comprise just
10%
Connecticut’s population.