Wilson County, TN

A lawsuit has been filed against the county on behalf of thousands of people arrested in Wilson County whose bail was set without any consideration for their particular situation. The lawsuit was granted class action status and alleges that the bail setting process in Wilson County is unfair and unconstitutional. At issue is the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which forbids "excessive bail." Tennessee law also notes certain factors must be taken into account in setting bail, including the defendant's criminal history, the likelihood of fleeing, their standing in the community, the severity of the crime and the danger they poses to society if freed.