Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand demands end to bail for non-violent offenders? Sadly, this is a case of a politician not doing research before making statements. Had she checked with any local or state justices, she would have found that bail is set to ensure future appearances, not to imprison offenders. As a retired justice, we have had out-of-state residents pulled over for DWI or drug dealing and without setting bail, they would have had no real reason to return to NY for the proceedings. Likewise, an inebriated person making obscene or harassing actions might benefit from a sizable bail that night and a reduced one in the morning. The courts can handle reform from within, not from unknowing outsiders.