(Austin, TX) – A large majority of Texans approve of allowing judges to deny bail to offenders accused of particularly severe violent crimes, according to a new poll conducted by WPA Intelligence for the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Right On Crime. More than 8 in 10 Texans (81%) believe courts should have the option to keep those accused of heinous crimes, like murder and sexual offenses with a child, behind bars while awaiting trial.
“This poll is a referendum from 81% of Texas voters across party lines who are demanding lawmakers fix the state’s broken bail system. In 1987, the Supreme Court ruled that not everyone has the right to bail, and if there are no conditions that would reasonably ensure the safety of the public, then pretrial release CAN be denied. Right On Crime is steadfast in its support of this constitutional amendment, and Texas will continue to lead the nation on public safety policy,”– Brett Tolman, Right On Crime Executive Director and former U.S. Attorney.
“Crime Stoppers has long been a leading advocate for sensible and balanced bail reform, and we are encouraged to see bipartisan support on this critical issue. Bail reform has never been a partisan matter- it is, at its core, a public safety issue. We firmly believe that Texas voters should have the power to decide whether judges should have the discretion to deny bond to defendants charged with certain violent crimes. We remain hopeful that voters will be given that opportunity.”– Rania Mankarious, CEO Crime Stoppers of Houston
“Texas law guarantees bail to most defendants, except in capital murder cases or for certain repeat violent offenders. This means high-risk defendants can buy their freedom if they can afford bail, regardless of the danger they pose to public safety. We are grateful to Chairwoman, Sen. Joan Huffman and Chairman, Rep. John T. Smithee for their leadership on this important issue.”– Right On Crime Texas Director Nikki Pressley.
The view has bipartisan support with 90% of Republicans and 73% of Democrats saying judges should be able to deny bail in severe cases. Large majorities hold across ethnicities, including 84% of white Texans, 82% of Hispanic Texans, and 68% of Black Texans.
The survey, by WPA Intelligence, polled 802 voters registered in Texas from March 18 – 20 and has a margin of error of +/- 3.2%.
Right On Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation supporting conservative criminal justice solutions resulting in less crime, fewer victims, and safer communities. Crime Stoppers of Houston advocates for victims by working to help solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Houston Area in partnership with citizens, media, and the criminal justice system.