In 2016, while crime rates in many of the 30 largest cities in the United States drops, the crime rate in Colorado rose by 3.4 percent. This is fueled by an increase in murder, auto theft, rape, and robbery cases.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the increase of crime rate in Colorado was over 11 times greater than the .3 percent average increase in the country’s 30 biggest cities.
In 2015, the number of homicides in Colorado was 172. It rose to 189 in 2016 with an increase of 9.9 percent, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Nearly one in three homicide cases were committed in Denver.
The rape cases in Colorado rose from 3,275 in 2015 to 3,512 in 2016 with an increase of 7.2 percent according to a report from the CBI.
The CBI also reported increases in other crimes. These are robberies – 5.9 percent, and aggravated assault – 8.3 percent.
The reported 57 murder cases in Denver in 2016 represent 30% of all murder cases in Colorado.
The increase in crime rates only signifies congestion in Colorado jails. This can create a big problem for the state. For this reason, the state may offer temporary liberty to suspects in bailable cases. This is a temporary solution but it can offer some form of relief to current jail inmates and to some suspects who choose not to post bail at all.
The Role of the Bail Bond Industry in the Justice System
Bails are not intended to promote the commission of crimes. Rather, they serve as a way for the court to ensure that a suspect who is granted temporary liberty guarantees to appear in court when required to do so. Otherwise, the court forfeits the bail and orders the arrest of the accused.
A bail bond can be posted in lieu of cash bail. It is normally applied for by a reputable bail bond service provider who assures the court that the accused won’t flee whilst his/her case is being tried. It can certainly give temporary relief to suspects who don’t have enough cash to pay the bail amount.
Here are some facts you should know about the bail bond:
1. It helps to minimize jail overcrowding.
The absence of a bail bond system can compel judges to fill jail cells with people who don’t have the capacity to pay the bail amount. This deprives people from enjoying temporary freedom before they are even pronounced guilty.
2. It increases the likelihood that suspects will appear in court as required.
According to statistics, people who post bail bond through bail bandsmen are 20% more likely to appear in court than suspects who are released on their own cognizance. Most people can’t afford to flee when they realize that a friend or loved one will have to bear the financial consequences for bond if they mess with their promise to appear.
3. Bail bonds help the economy.
Every person detained in jail is covered with budget while awaiting trial. Of course this amount is taken from the people’s taxes. Setting him free temporarily can spare the state from spending for his subsistence. The bail bond agent on the other hand, contributes to the economy through insurance premium taxes on every bail bond he writes.
4. The bail bond works to uphold the criminal justice system.
Bail bonds increase people’s likelihood of appearing in court to stand trial. This helps to keep the wheels of justice turning. Even strict countries like China are studying the United States commercial bail system in an effort to introduce reforms, increase court appearances and minimize jail expenses. Additionally, states that practice unsecured release methods are now trying to consider reinstating the bail bond due to increasing incidence non-appearance.
5. The bail system is constitutional.
The bail system is in the constitution and clearly supported by the 8th Amendment. The 8th Amendment of the US Constitution provides that bails should be based on sufficient surety to compel a defendant to appear in court. It also states clearly that citizens should not be subjected to excessive bail.