On November 21, 2019, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Lee Rosenthal approved the Consent Decree in ODonnell v. Harris County. The new rules laid out in this consent decree require prompt release on unsecured bonds for the vast majority of people arrested for misdemeanor offenses. The Monitor and Deputy Monitor, Brandon Garrett and Sandra Guerra Thompson, are responsible for monitoring the progress in Harris County. This fact sheet shares key findings over the first four years after reform, including changes in release rates, racial disparities, and effects on public safety.
By The Monitor and Deputy Monitor, Brandon Garrett, and Sandra Guerra Thompson.