Bail reform in Maryland clears major hurdle

Judges in Maryland would not be able to set bail that is too high for a poor defendant to pay unless the defendant is considered a flight risk or a danger to society, under a rule change that a key judiciary committee voted to recommend to the state’s highest court. The Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Maryland Court of Appeals voted 18 to 5 to recommend an overhaul of the state’s money-based bail system, which critics say is unfair to poor and minority defendants. The public will have 30 days to review the rule change — which is opposed by bail bondsmen, most state prosecutors and some state lawmakers — before it is considered by the Court of Appeals.