Being held during the pretrial period can have disastrous impacts on a person’s life. The pretrial period can last days, months or even a year. For many poor people held on minor charges, incarceration of even a few days can have serious impact on their families, housing, employment, and health. People can be fired from jobs, evicted from public housing and lose their spots in shelters, and public benefits. Students miss classes and parents can lose custody of their children.

Longer times may result in individuals’ pleading guilty when they are innocent in order to be released. Data have shown that being able to address legal charges while in the community rather than in jail result in better legal outcomes for the defendant. Helping people post even a small amount for bail can have lasting positive impacts on their lives.

If you are court appointed legal counsel and would like to find about more about referring your client to the Massachusetts Bail Fund, please email: [email protected].