LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Five Michigan courts, from the Detroit area to the Upper Peninsula, will participate in a program to try to reduce jail costs by setting reasonable bonds for people awaiting trial.
Chief Justice Bridget McCormack says no one should sit in jail just because they can't afford to pay bail. She wants judges to set bail amounts that protect rights and public safety as well as save money for local governments.
Courts in Hamtramck, Clinton Township, Mount Pleasant, Flint and Escanaba will participate in the program. Judges will set bonds based on statistical models of risk. The state Supreme Court says more than 7,500 jail inmates are awaiting trial, and many have been charged with non-violent crimes.
