Resource: Caliste v. Cantrell

The MacArthur Justice Center is pursuing a federal class action lawsuit against Orleans Magistrate Judge Harry E. Cantrell challenging his practice of setting high bail amounts without any consideration of the person’s ability to pay or alternative no-cost conditions of release. Judge Cantrell consistently sets a $2,500 minimum secured money bond, regardless of the facts of the particular case or the circumstances surrounding the arrestee. He also refuses to entertain arguments for a lower financial condition of release, informing defense attorneys not to even attempt them.