Bail Fund Love Match

I'm sponsoring a match up to $100 for the Bail Fund...this means they'll automatically get $200! 

My friends at the Bail Fund are dedicated to helping folks "escape" jail... But really, cash bail is a predatory aspect of the the "injustice" system--the poor stay behind bars while the wealthy skate home. Until we can get rid of cash bail, let's help get the folks who need it some assistance! 

*Thanks to the ACLU for the appropriated image

GOALS OF BOONE COUNTY COMMUNITY BAIL FUND:

• Short-term: Pay bail up to $3000 (a low bail, for minor charges) for Boone County residents charged in Boone County who cannot afford to pay. We provide a service to Boone County communities by helping people get back home and get to court on time.
• Long-term: End cash bail and make Boone County’s criminal legal system accountable to the people. Other places have eliminated cash bail with no increase in crime.  People with minor charges can be released and required to come to court as a condition of release. Judges of course can still hold people in jail without bail if they pose a danger to the community

HOW WE DO THIS:

We are ALL VOLUNTEERS. 

• We answer phones from the jail, drive to the jail to bail people out, remind people of their hearings, and help people get to court. 
• We go to events to sell baked goods and t-shirts to raise money. Fairshake Flowers gives us a share from the sales of their beautiful bouquets. 
• We receive partial refunds from the court if one of our clients completes their case. Almost everyone does complete. 
• We also conduct research on issues affecting detainees and jail operations. We have published three op-eds in the Missourian. Recently we created a "zine" explaining these issues for the community.
• Because we are all volunteers, our administrative costs are very low, to cover the phone line, insurance, supplies, and accounting. Your dollars almost entirely go to help low income people in Boone County.