Withholding bail from Indiana’s most dangerous suspects

By SCOTT BALDWIN
State Senator

Seeing elected officials work together on an issue seems less common today; however, at the Statehouse bipartisanship is quite common. Since 2023 Republicans and Democrats at the Statehouse have worked together and overwhelmingly supported Senate Joint Resolution 1, which is a state constitutional amendment that would allow judges the ability to withhold bail from violent offenders.

Before an amendment can officially be part of our constitution, Hoosiers must weigh in at the ballot box. During the upcoming general election, Hoosiers will see Public Question 1 on their ballot, which will ask voters whether Indiana’s judges should be given the tool of denying bail from violent offenders who are likely to harm the community or a specific person if released from jail.

Currently, Indiana’s judges have had their hands tied since bail can only be withheld if a suspect is charged with murder or treason. If a majority of Hoosiers approve Public Question 1, judges will be able to withhold bail if prosecutors can prove to them that the suspect poses a risk to a person or the community, another release option fails to ensure safety, and the evidence against the suspect is strong enough to presume the suspect’s guilt.

To prevent the erosion of a suspect’s rights, I supported Senate Enrolled Act 2, which ensures a suspect has the right to a speedy bail trial, an attorney, a written bail determination from the judge, and an opportunity to appeal their bail decision.

Hamilton County is continuously ranked among the safest places to live in the nation. As Hoosiers continue to see crime creep into Hamilton County, law enforcement can only do so much to halt the revolving door of crime. This November, Indiana has the opportunity to join more than 30 states in the nation in denying bail from the worst of the worst and ending the revolving door of crime that threatens to undermine the safety that has made Hamilton County a great place to live, work and play.

State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) represents Senate District 20, which includes Noblesville, Carmel, Cicero and unincorporated areas of Hamilton County.