Proposal to end cash bail for misdemeanors opposed by Fargo-area law enforcement
Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner said no-shows in court climbed after his county s jail enacted a similar policy to prevent crowding during the pandemic. Backers say the current bail system is unfair to poor people. 7:03 pm, Jan. 18, 2021 ×
Cass County Jail in Fargo. Forum file photo
BISMARCK State lawmakers listened to feedback on Monday, Jan. 18, regarding proposed changes to state law that would require people arrested for misdemeanors to be released on their own promise to appear in court instead of requiring them to post bail.
Exceptions to that would include people arrested on a misdemeanor warrant when a judge has reason to believe someone will disregard a written promise to appear, as well as other exceptions spelled out in existing law.