News12: Bail reform law frees inmates accused of misdemeanor, nonviolent felonies takes effect

“Alice Fontier, of the Bronx Defenders, also welcomes the change.

“All of the evidence, the data from the years of the cash bail system demonstrates that what happens is that poor people stay in jail and people with money don’t,” Fontier says.

As of Dec. 28, 50 to 60 pre-trial detainees were awaiting release on Jan. 1 under the new law, according to the city Department of Corrections. But in the Bronx, any eligible defendants have already been released.

“DA Clark has over the last several months not been asking for money bail on most misdemeanors,” Fontier says.”

Watch the full video here