“The importance of early counsel has been demonstrated repeatedly. Studies shows that people who receive legal representation at bail hearings spend less time in jail, are more likely to be released on recognizance, and when money bond is set, to have lower amounts. Researchers have attributed these outcomes to both the attorneys’ enhanced ability to argue for release as well as their ability to act as liaisons to pretrial services and release programs.“

Pretrial Justice Institute

September 5, 2018