This story is exclusive to subscribers.

Hamilton County bond practices are allegedly violating the law and in need of change, advocates say

Staff Photo / A van is received by a guard at the Silverdale Detention Center, since renamed the Hamilton County Jail, in 2020 in Chattanooga. Hamilton County residents discussed bail reform Tuesday night. Staff Photo / A van is received by a guard at the Silverdale Detention Center, since renamed the Hamilton County Jail, in 2020 in Chattanooga. Hamilton County residents discussed bail reform Tuesday night.

By Sofia Saric March 27, 2024 3 min read

Note: This story was updated on March 29 to correct the spelling of the Hamilton County Community Bail Fund manager’s namee.

Many who are accused of crimes in Hamilton County are allegedly having their constitutional due process rights violated when bail is set — keeping more people in jail for longer stretches of time, advocates and a civil rights attorney said.

“The law as it’s written is pretty great, but we all know that is not what is happening,” Kiah Duggins, an attorney with Civil Rights Corps, said at a community meeting. “Even if you’re found innocent, your whole life has been destabilized.”

Nonprofit Chattanoogans in Action for Love, Equality and Benevolence hosted Duggins and other advocates Tuesday night at the Camp House to discuss navigating bail reform in Hamilton County.