Alabama leaders must reform state bail laws to ensure public safety

This past week the actions of a Montgomery County Judge left a lot of folks scratching their heads and others just outraged. One of the accused Defendants charged with attempted murder in the large scale shooting in downtown Montgomery three weeks ago has been released from jail.

And what makes matters worse, the judge set the bail so low, the accused was able to bond himself out of jail and is back on the streets. The judge set the bond at $60,000 which is the top end of the recommended range for class A felonies as set out by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure. Alabama Courts are required to follow these rules, but ultimately have discretion on how high or low to set a bond for an accused. After much outcry from the public and law enforcement, the Montgomery District Attorney has now filed a Motion to increase the bond on this case which stems from a violent night where 2 were killed and 12 injured. Not only do these recommended ranges need to be made higher for violent crimes, the Alabama Legislature and Alabama Supreme Court should revisit the entire bail system in Alabama.

The shooting has netted the arrest of three others and gotten the attention of the State’s leadership since it took place only blocks from the Alabama State Capitol Building. The good news is that come May, Alabama voters will have a say on helping to keep those accused of certain violent crimes, like attempted murder, behind bars. A constitutional amendment on the ballot on May 19, 2026, if approved by the voters, would allow judges to deny bail for those charged with solicitation, attempt or conspiracy to commit murder.

Hopefully with the passage of this new law, this will help keep behind bars those who have been arrested for dangerous and violent crimes. In the meantime, Alabama leaders should address the entire system of bond laws to ensure public safety is the number one priority in our criminal justice system.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_DeMarco.