The High $ Cost Of Bail Reform

Voters may have liked bail reform on the ballot, but they won’t like what it does to their wallets, Atlantic County’s executive said.

The legislation is supposed to save money, while reducing the prison population and getting defendants in front of a judge more quickly.

But the cost could be as much as $2.5 million just for Atlantic County, where the prosecutor has asked for 14 additional staff members — including 10 assistant prosecutors to handle the additional workload, county Executive Dennis Levinson said.

“Those numbers are based upon projections that the executive staff at my office came to after considering what the new law requires and how we can best implement it in this county to work as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain said.

The reforms look to mostly do away with money bail, and takes into account risk factors. Unlike the current law, there would be instances where defendants could be held without bail.

McClain will explain the ins and outs of the new reforms at a community forum Wednesday night, hosted by Councilman Kaleem Shabazz.

The meeting begins 6 p.m. at the Stanley Holmes Community Center at Kentucky and Adriatic avenues. Atlantic City Police Chief Henry White will also be a presenter.

“These changes, however laudable, come at a great expense,” Levinson said.

“It’s the time limitations that are going to present the biggest challenge,” McClain said.

Defendants must be seen before a judge within 48 hours of their arrest. This will also mean a possible six-day week for courts.

“This requires us to do more and do it faster with regard to most complicated and serious cases in criminal justice system,” McClain said.

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BAIL REFORM EXPLAINED

WHAT: Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain and Atlantic City Police Chief Henry White will talk about the new rules at a Community Forum.

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Stanley Holmes Community Center, Kentucky and Adriatic avenues, Atlantic City
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/crime/courts/upcoming-bail-reform-could-cost-millions-atlantic-county-executive-says/article_efd9c344-0bf4-11e6-8f8f-ff6b7f244c1d.html