Frequently asked questions

If a person has a money bond set, a commissioner or Judge has already determined that person is not a significant threat to the public or at high risk of not attending their court date.  We simply remove the money barrier that keeps a person from their families, support system, and employment while they await their trial. 

Providing bail for an individual who could not otherwise afford it can have long term positive ramifications for their life. Gaining access to freedom and avoiding pre-trial detention can prevent job loss, loss of housing, reduce trauma, and keep families together. In addition, pre-trial detention increases the likelihood of plea deals which can result in innocent people pleading guilty solely to avoid further jail time. 

Cecil Freedom Fund also offers wrap-around assistance to bailees such as transportation to pretrial requirements and court dates, linkage to other organizations or services to meet basic needs, access to cell phones, and check-ins and reminders to support the individual through their court process. Research has shown that individuals that are bailed out by community bail funds are more likely to appear at court dates than those who post bail on their own, and that it is support, not threat of financial loss, that is more closely linked to court attendance.

We respect the privacy of each individual bailed out and leave that decision to them. 

Currently, we are working with the Public Defender’s office to identify individuals that are able to be bailed out. People can also submit requests for bail assistance directly to us through our website contact form. 

All individual donations go directly to assist the people we are serving. Whether it is bail money, transportation to appointments, or a phone to make check in calls, each dollar individually donated goes directly to help someone get out of jail, meet pretrial requirements, attend their court date and work towards staying out of jail. 

The most direct way is to donate what you can to help bail people out of jail and get them home to their families! You can also contact us via our website or email if you would like to take on a larger role in helping end pretrial detention in Cecil County.