Press conference held on bail reform after Bland's death at Waller County Jail

HOUSTON – The Greater Houston Coalition for Justice is holding a news conference to highlight the need for accurately determining whether a person remains in jail pending disposition of a criminal case and the person's ability to pay a financial bond. The issue came to light after the death of Sandra Bland in the Waller County Jail.

Several legislators have been invited to participate in the news conference to further the legislation needs of Texas jail conditions and Texas Financial Bonds system impact on the disadvantage.

After Bland's arrest, she went before a magistrate and a prosecutor, with no defense counsel present. The magistrate and prosecutor set a financial bond of $5,000 that she would have to pay to gain her release.  

Bland did not have the $500 needed to get out of jail. GHCFJ feels this is why jails like that in Harris County warehouse mostly people of low income who are not convicted of any crime.