DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas announced it will reduce the bail retention fee for defendants.
“We shouldn’t be incarcerating based on economic means, it’s that simple,” said county Councilmember Kevin Madden. “We shouldn’t be running a debtor’s prison.”
The unanimous decision imposes a flat fee of $25 plus 3% of the first $1,000 of bail and 2% on any amount above that. The decision was highly praised by district attorneys and public defender’s offices.
The new bail rule is set to take effect on Aug. 13.
“The way it historically worked was based on your ability to walk away from 40% of your bail,” Madden said. “That was what dictated whether or not you stayed in jail until your case was tried or if you could post it. That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.”
At 40%, Delaware County has the highest bail rate in Pennsylvania. Madden said the old method keps people incarcerated based on an economic litmus test.
“This is one that for many people will fly under the radar but will have an impact on literally thousands of people each year in Delaware County,” he added.