Research
Understanding the Impact of New York Bail Reform
Bail reform led to a substantial reduction in jail incarceration, driven mainly by a decline in pretrial admissions for low-level and nonviolent charges. The reforms limited the use of money bail, but prosecutors and judges relied on money bail where still allowed and rarely considered ability to pay. Despite the decreased incarceration rate, existing racial disparities may have been aggravated in New York City and statewide jails.