For Immediate Release:
ATHENS, Ga. (June 6, 2019) – The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement [AADM] is celebrating the end of cash bail practices for violations of city ordinances in Athens. On Tuesday the Freedom Act of Athens-Clarke County was passed by unanimous vote by the city commission. Under the cash bail system, people accused of crimes must await their trial date in jail unless they post bail. This is a major hurdle for low-income individuals and disproportionately impacts people of color. The Freedom Act will replace cash bail for low-level crimes with Own Recognizance. Accused individuals will be released from jail after signing contracts promising to attend their court dates and other stipulations.
AADM has been working toward passage of The Freedom Act for over a year. Collaborating with the American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] and the Economic Justice Coalition, AADM hosted a Smart Justice Roundtable event in June 2018 to heighten awareness of cash bail practices. This event brought together state representatives, commissioners, judges, and community members. In December 2018, AADM launched the Books and Bailout Campaign. This effort has resulted in over 1,000 book donations for inmates in the local jail to receive on holidays, as well as increased awareness and advocacy for ending cash bail.
Throughout the past year, AADM President Mokah-Jasmine Johnson has been meeting with various judges and government officials to advocate for local justice system reforms. After much research and with the support of The ACLU and Kelly Happe (former president of Athens for Everyone) “The Freedom Act” was drafted and presented to the Mayor and Commission a few months prior to attending the recent Mayor and Commission meeting. A couple of changes were made and the final language was constructed by local officials and Athens Clarke County Attorney. Thus on Tuesday, June 4th, 2019, after much work and dedication, AADM advocates and supporters were excited when Athens newly elected officials unanimously voted to pass the local ordinance Sec. 3-5-36 eliminating cash bail for city ordinance violations. This is an important step in the right direction. However, there is still much work to do to reform our criminal justice system. Click here to read the new cash bail reform ordinance.
On June 10, AADM will host a Criminal Justice and Jail Reform Roundtable at the ACC Library from 5:30-7:00 pm. They are continuing the Books and Bailout Campaign (https://www.aadmovement.org/holiday-bailout-book-for-inmates/), with the next delivery of books to inmates to take place on Father’s Day.