Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy’s new bail reform focused on criminals’ finances is up and running.
The progressive DA put out a statement on the new Bail Hearing Room, stating bail will be “based on a detailed review of the defendant’s finances to decide what is an affordable amount.”
As always, it’s the judge (not our office) that sets bail and decides whether a defendant will be held in jail pending trial. But the new procedure affords a hearing where there was none before—within 72 hours of arrest. Bail amounts will no longer be set arbitrarily, but will instead be based on a detailed review of the defendant’s finances to decide what is an affordable amount. The court can still keep a defendant in jail awaiting trial, but—consistent with TN law and the Constitution—only if it appears the defendant is a danger to the community or a flight risk.
After a sharp rise in violent crime, Mulroy said he has shifted his priorities in reaction to criticism and concern from Shelby County residents.
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“I have also received numerous emails over the past few weeks from citizens concerned about the recent spike of crime in our community,” he said. “I am reading them, I am paying attention, and I share your outrage and concern.”
In addition to the bail reform, he also wants aggravated shootings to be prosecuted even if there is no cooperation from the victim or a witness. The third change in his plan is a cold case unit implemented to partner with Memphis police.CLICK HERE to join KWAM’s “Stop Memphis Crime” page. Follow our army of citizen journalists as they report crime news across the city.
He noted the reason he ran in the first place was to address the spike in violent crimes to ensure Memphians to feel safer.
“Violent crime has been steadily rising for a decade, making us No. 1 in the country in the last two years,” Mulroy said in the statement. “That’s why I ran. I love this town and want to see the crime rates drop so people can feel safe.”
