State Supreme Court weighs a $200 cap on most misdemeanor bail; hearing Nov. 10
What happened: Washington's Supreme Court holds a hearing Nov. 10 on new rules for bail before trial.
Two of the rules cover the courts that hear misdemeanor cases, such as city and district courts.
Today a judge can set bail when a person is likely to miss court. The proposal would require a high likelihood that the person will flee on purpose.
One missed court date alone would not count as flight.
For most misdemeanors, bail would be capped at $200. The cap would not apply to many domestic violence, stalking, gun and repeat DUI cases, or when a judge finds a substantial danger.
People could usually pay 10% of bail to the court and get it back if they follow the rules. With a $200 cap, that is $20.
Public defense offices proposed the changes. The court received nearly 900 written comments. The justice who chairs its rules committee told KUOW most of the comments opposed the changes.
Whatcom County is designing a new jail of 440 to 460 beds. Bail rules decide who waits for trial in jail and who waits at home.
See how other places handle it: Washington weighs a $200 bail cap; New Jersey and Illinois already cut cash bail.
What's next: invited speakers present Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. in Olympia, streamed on TVW. The court may adopt all, some or none of the changes. No decision date is set.