Commonwealth’s attorney ends cash bail
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| Descano |
Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano is implementing several reforms – alternatives to pre-trial detention and the elimination of cash bail – with the goal of making the criminal justice system more equitable.
Descano formalized his office’s commitment to not seek cash bail, a practice he initiated immediately after taking office in January.
He also announced Dec. 21 that his office will seek alternatives to pre-trial detention for defendants who are not considered a flight risk or don’t pose a danger to the community. These determinations will be based on a comprehensive analysis of each defendant’s circumstances.
“Cash bail creates a two-tiered justice system – one for the rich and one for everyone else,” Descano said. “Those who can’t afford bail often face the risk of losing their jobs, housing, and even potentially custody of their children. Many plead guilty simply to avoid these rippling consequences – which are most likely to impact Black and Brown community members already disadvantaged by the system’s legacy of structural racism.
Related story: Commonwealth’s attorney to reform Fairfax County criminal justice system
Descano called on the Virginia General Assembly to ban cash bail statewide in the next legislative session.
Cash bail has proven to be an efficient tool for increasing the community’s pre-trial detention population, while proving ineffective at ensuring the community’s safety, Descano said. So long as judges can continue to impose cash bail on defendants, community members will remain behind bars simply because they cannot afford bail.
Descano previously implemented other criminal justice reforms, including ending prosecution for marijuana possession.
5 responses to “Commonwealth’s attorney ends cash bail”
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What do you want to bet that 99% of people Descano's office prosecutes will be found not to be a danger to the community? Steve Descano is the best friend criminals ever had in Fairfax County.
Yeah that's because everyone is a criminal. Everyone is out to get you. Fear for your life.
Yay
More criminals on the streets!
More violent people doing whatever TF they want, just not in this A-hole neighborhood.
So glad this stupid guy can blow his own horn on the expense of the suffering community.
When will we have someone who cares about the hard working, law abiding citizens????
Vote for me! I will lock up everyone who has a criminal record and even remotely looks suspicious! In fact everyone who is in the system in Fairfax County can rot in hell! They are all scum! Our suffering community deserves someone who will lock up everyone's neighbors!
The liberals who voted for this moron have no problem with what he's doing…..until something bad happens to them. Then they'll demand justice and want to know why these criminals were walking the streets. You get what you vote for, Fairfax County! Bravo.