Ending Cashless Bail in Our Nation’s Capital Act

This bill would stop “cashless bail” in Washington, DC. It says DC must allow judges to set cash bail, including at high amounts, when a defendant is a clear threat to public safety. It lists examples like failure to appear, obstruction of justice, fleeing from police, rioting, sexual abuse, property destruction, stalking, and aggravated assault, including repeat offenses . It also requires an automatic presumption that people charged with violent crimes—such as murder, rape, carjacking, sexual abuse of a minor, robbery, or burglary—are kept in jail before trial .

In everyday terms, more people accused of violent or risky offenses in DC could be held in jail before trial, and judges would be expected to use cash bail more often and at higher levels for those who seem dangerous .

• Who is affected: People charged in DC courts, especially those accused of violent or public-safety–related offenses listed above .
• What changes: DC could not use cashless bail policies; judges would use cash bail for safety risks and presume detention for violent charges .
• Where: District of Columbia .