WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A June 2025 report by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas is shining a light on the bail system in Sedgwick County.
The new report called “The Price of Freedom” focuses on data from 2023-2024. It analyzes who is being held, why they’re being held, how long they remain in jail, and what it costs them and the community.
The report finds Sedgwick County’s bail system mostly affects individuals facing non-violent crimes.
Non-violent charges account for 84% of all charges faced by individuals detained pre-trial.
The report also finds most of those impacted are men and Black individuals, as well as people living in poverty.
Many of those held on bail for non-violent offenses are unable to post bail simply because they cannot afford it.
“After the judge has already said that you are not a danger to others, it should not be based on how much money you have. It should not be the case that the wealthy get to go home while they wait for trial, and others who are not so wealthy don’t have the same ability. It is about basic fairness and about not having a two-tier system of justice,” said Micah Kubic, executive director for the ACLU of Kansas.
In its report, the ACLU recommends that the district attorney’s office use an “own recognizance” bond for all defendants charged with nonperson misdemeanor and felony charges.
The organization also said that since the report was posted, it has been working with the district attorney’s office to improve the bail system.
Copyright 2025 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email [email protected]
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