Kentucky counties treat bail for crimes in vastly different ways

Where people live determines whether people face a steeper bail

A new study shows that Kentucky counties treat bail for crimes in vastly different ways. 

The study was released yesterday from Berea-based Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. 

The report says that where people live in the state determines whether people face a steeper bail that keeps them in jail.

Researchers also say unreachable bonds can lead defendants to plead guilty to crimes they didn't commit just to get out of jail. 

It found that the share of defendants released before trial last year without having to post cash bail ranged from a low of 5% in McCracken County to a high of 68% in Martin County.

And when judges required cash bail, only 17% of defendants in Wolfe County could afford to pay it versus 99% in Hopkins County.