Oregon is one of the four states in the US that does not allow commercial bail bonds.  While many in the public sector pretrial community see this as a positive thing, those in the bail bond industry see the danger.  In fact, because of its anti-commercial bail stance, Oregon has become a safe haven for fugitives running from the law.  Check out this recent story out of Oregon that shows how people wanted for skipping out on bail in other states are able to hide in plain sight in Oregon with no accountability and no fear of being brought to justice.

One of the most interesting parts of the video is when a woman representing the Criminal Defense Lawyers states that the only reason bail agents are in business is to make money and that the only thing that they do is guarantee appearance.  If those are the worst things that can be said about the bail bond industry, than why wouldn’t Oregon want commercial bail back in the state.  Yes, bail bond agencies are for profit businesses that pay taxes to the states and counties and employee thousands of people throughout the country.  Why is that bad?  Bail also guarantees that a defendant shows up for court…why wouldn’t a criminal defense attorney support that?  Additionally, when people show up for court (which the woman in the video agrees that bail does achieve), they are not out committing additional crimes.  Doesn’t it make sense then that indirectly by assuring appearance that commercial bail actually does play a role in assuring better behavior by those out on a commercial bail bond?  Watch the video below and decide for yourself.

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