Annie Comes Home: Money bail robbed him of his home, job, and memories with his kids

Our freedom is not for sale. This is Myles's story.

Pamela,

Myles Martin's livelihood was stripped away from him, all because he couldn't afford to buy his freedom by paying bail.

During the 30 months that he was held pretrial in jail, Myles lost his apartment, his car, his job, and precious memories with his children. "You cannot rewind time and repair the damage that has been done," Myles said. "There is no making up for the time lost with my children." You can read his story here.

Myles's story reflects the cruel and unfair reality that nearly half a million people face right now—disproportionately Black people and other people of color, as well as people experiencing poverty.

Money bail perpetuates our country's vicious cycle of mass incarceration, all while failing to make our communities safer. Here's how:

1) When someone is accused of a crime, they may be arrested. 2) Oftentimes, a judge sets bail. If the person can't afford it, they sit in jail while their case is pending. 3) While in jail, people can lose their jobs, their housing, and even custody of their children. 4) Some people plead guilty to a crime they did not commit simply to get out of jail.

The money bail system perpetuates poverty and injustice. It's time for that to change.

Vera is working to defend and advance bail reform legislation across the country and partnering with governments and communities to envision a new system of pretrial justice. Together, we can reduce the number of people behind bars, address racial and economic disparities, and make our communities safer.

Please, take a moment to read Myles's story and share it as widely as possible so that everyone understands the damage money bail causes.

In solidarity,
Vera Institute of Justice