Cash Bail Reform
“Freedom should never be compromised for corporate profits. Many families are unable to afford the profit-driven price of bail. Their loved ones remain locked up for weeks, months, and even years. While in jail, they can lose their families, jobs, and homes as they wait for their day in court. This is morally wrong.”
Andrea Young, Executive Director of the ACLU of Georgia

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed the city’s bail reform bill that the city council passed unanimously last night. The city attorney called to make sure the ACLU GA was present for the for signing & press conference. Before she sat down to sign the bill, the mayor specifically thanked Andrea Young, executive director, and Burrell Ellis, then-political director, for our work. The mayor also made it clear this is the beginning of criminal justice reform in Atlanta & asked for our help to continue.
LEGAL
NEWS & COMMENTARY
News Articles
ACLU, Glynn County officially settle bond system suit
ACLU sues Glynn County, officials over cash bail
Activists, police group hope new sheriff will improve Cobb jail conditions
Georgia jailers cope with COVID-19; release inmates, quarantine arrivals
Coronavirus is spreading in Georgia prisons
Ga. inmate dies from COVID-19 as outbreak worsens at prison
Corrections employee tests positive for coronavirus
DOC employee contracts COVID-19 amid calls for prison depopulation
Atlanta mayor orders restriction of access to pot conviction records
The Local Take talks Smart Justice with Andrea Young from the ACLU
ACLU alleges lawyer ‘extorted’ arrestee’s mother for son’s defense
Acusan a alguacil de prohibirle a los presos el acceso a libros
Editorials
Press
Press Release: ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center Sue Trump Administration Over Discriminatory Cash Bail System
ACLU Sues Georgia County Over Discriminatory Cash Bail System
ACLU sues Glynn County for jailing the poor over minor offenses
Remarks of Burrell Ellis, Political Director for the ACLU of Georgia, on Senate Bill 407 and Misdemeanor Bail Reform
ACLU Sues Georgia County Over Discriminatory Cash Bail System
Press Release: ACLU of Georgia Joins Nationwide Campaign to End Money Bail
Press Release: ACLU Accuses Public Defender of Extorting $2,500 From 75-Year Old Woman For Son’s Defense
Prepared Remarks of Andrea Young, Executive Director of the ACLU of Georgia, before the Atlanta City Council
ACLU of Georgia: People in Jail Cannot Protect Themselves Against COVID-19
ACLU of Georgia Sends Open Letter to All Public Officials with Responsibility for dealing with COVID-19 in the Criminal Legal System
Cash Bail is Modern Day Debtors’ Prison
Although debtors’ prisons were outlawed in the 19th century, thousands of Georgians are jailed each year, because they’re unable to post cash bail. Many states have already begun to address these issues with a smarter approach. For example, Kentucky releases without bail about 70% of people awaiting the resolution of their cases. According to a report published by the Administrative Office of the Courts, Kentucky Court of Justice, “89% of those make all their future court appearances and 92% are not re-arrested while they are on pretrial release. … [Kentucky] reduces jail costs in that jail space is saved for the convicted and not the accused.
