There has been a considerable degree of debate over bail laws in the state of Texas during the past year or so. This debate is likely to come to a head in 2021 because different pieces of legislation have been introduced to change bail laws in the Lone Star State.
Harris County bail relief efforts
Before digging into legislation addressing bail availability in Texas, a look at what occurred in Harris County is necessary. Officials there have made it easier for certain people charged with crimes to make bail and garner release pending trial.
One of the reasons for this move is the perception that posting bail had result in an unfair disparate treatment of people charged with crimes. The county also believes that a person charged with a crime is better able to mount an effective criminal defense strategy when not incarcerated.
Legislation to make it harder to obtain bail
In response to changes in bail protocols like those in Harris County, some members of the legislature have proposed making it harder for people to bail out of jail pending trial. These legislative initiatives have the support of the Texas governor. Some of the proposed legislation eliminates bail all together for some classifications of individuals charged with certain crimes and awaiting trial.
When charged with a crime, whether obtaining bail or not, a person is wise to seek immediate professional counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Indeed, a person charged with a crime should not answer questions from authorities or investigators before consulting with a criminal defense attorney.