Bail Reform Blame: A Dangerous Game
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF Why is it that bail reform activists only think that poor people deserve to be free and out of jail? Why do they not apply their equitable justice approach to every case? Maybe it’s because they aren’t really about…
Paradise Lost…California on the Brink
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF Many of you already know this, but I am a native Californian, born and raised. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and went to the same high school as my wife. We now live only a few…
Another Failed Attempt at Bail Reform and Here Come the Excuses
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF For those of us in the bail industry, last week was one giant emotional rollercoaster. It began with fear, uncertainty and a little panic and ended with relief, happiness, and exhaustion. While the votes on Proposition 25 are still…
The Failed Balancing Act of Criminal Justice Reform
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF First off, I would like to apologize because it has been a while since I last wrote a blog. Maybe some of you are thankful for that absence, but hopefully many of you are pleased that I am back…
A Tree Just Fell in New York and it’s Sound is Resounding
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? Well a big ole tree, called bail reform, just landed in New York and the sound it is making is enormous. The problem is, no matter how…
Some California Bail Facts: Just in Time for the Holidays
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF This week the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board published an article, “The Welcome but Glacial Dismantling of California’s Bail System”. I wanted to submit a rebuttal piece, but unfortunately the Los Angeles Times does not like publishing articles that…
Oklahoma Bail Reform: Where the Lies Come Sweeping Down the Plain
For those of you who may have missed it, there was a judiciary interim committee hearing in Oklahoma this week regarding bail reform. The agenda was pretty much what you would expect for a meeting of this kind. There were about a dozen speakers from…
AIA Hires Long-Time Industry Veteran, Bruce Biel
AIA is pleased to announce the hiring of long-time industry veteran, Bruce Biel. Based in Wallingford, Connecticut, Bruce will be working in AIA’s Agent Services Group, providing insight and guidance to agents across the country. Bruce has close to 25 years’ experience on both the…
ACLU…Where are You?
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF Typically, when I write bail reform related blogs, I like to focus on the victim side of the issue. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but it just seems that no one is concerned about…
Bail Reform and Risk Assessments: Trusting Public Safety to a Roll of the Dice
BEHIND THE PAPER WITH ERIC GRANOF Last week, California’s Judicial Council agreed to pay $70 million for the world’s largest Magic 8 Ball. We aren’t sure of the actual dimensions of the giant 1970’s popular prognosticating pool ball, but we are told it is going…