Bail Blotter: Anklet Monitors in County Promise to Keep Track of Defendants
- August 21, 2012
- by AboutBail Staff
- In the News
Each week AboutBail combs the web for the latest and most interesting industry news stories to bring you the Weekly Bail Blotter.
Concerns Raised Over Pretrial Release Program
TARRANT COUNTY, TX – Leah Gamble, manager of Dallas County Pretrial Release Services, says that almost 30% of defendants in her county miss court dates after being released on personal bonds as part of the program. In Tarrant County, however, officials claim that the no-show rate is less than 3%. However, according to the Star-Telegram, the county is using an older and less reliable system of determining how many skips it has. According to an investigative report, the county divides the number of no-shows by the total number of court appearances. Other counties divide the number by the number of defendants, which is seen as more accurate.
To read the full article, click here.
Overcrowding and Bail Issues in California
LOS ANGELES, CA – According to a news report, more people are turning to California bondsmen to pay cash bails to get out of jail. A lot of defendants, however, do not have the resources to pay a bondsman. According to at least one count, 65% of jail beds in Riverside County are occupied by those who cannot afford bail. The problem is leading to overcrowding, even more so now that the California Legislature wants jails to take on more inmates once earmarked for state prisons. As a result, counties are releasing some inmates early. Riverside County, for example, has let 3000 inmates out early so far in 2012.
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Inmate Gets Bond Reinstated
STERLING, CO – Robert Leroy Dobson has had his bond reinstated after failing a urinary analysis while on bond. Dobson’s original bond for $3000 was revoked but a judge allowed the man to reset the bond, which allowed Dobson to pay a $450 cash bond or pay a Colorado bondsman to get out of jail. Dobson will need to meet a number of bond conditions, including curfew and regular urinary analysis.
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Las Vegas Bail Bonds: A System that Works?
LAS VEGAS, NV – A recent article in the Las Vegas Weekly examines the plethora of bail bonds businesses in the downtown area of the city. The number of businesses are fueled by the proximity to the Clark County Detention Center and by demand for the services. However, as the article points out, representatives of the Pretrial Justice Institute and others find that the system of bail bonds does not work because it hinges on profits and requires people to have money and collateral to bail out of jail – ensuring that only those with cash get to be free before a trial date. Researchers at George Mason University, however, have concluded that defendants with surety bonds are 28% less likely to skip court dates.
To read the full article, click here.
Still in Jail After Bail Posted
INDIA – In March 2012, Nigerian national Micheal Azanweza was released on bail in India by the Rajasthan High Court after being convicted of drugs charges. He was soon re-arrested for breaching the peace. He could not provide the surety bonds required to get out of jail again and remains in jail, although he alleges that he did not violate the rules of his bail during his first release and should not be back in jail. He claims he was framed by police the same night he was released from jail. He has written to his embassy for help, concerned that he will be placed in jail once his six month judicial custody ends in September.
To read the full article, click here.
Anklet Monitors in County Promise to Keep Track of Defendants
BITTERROOT VALLEY, MT – Bondsmen may have an easier time tracking defendants in the area now that the community has introduced new ankle bracelet monitors. The devices will be used for civil and criminal cases and will monitor for marijuana and alcohol use. The 24/7 “Tattle Tale” ankle bracelets also have GPS capability technology. According to the Department of Corrections, monitoring a defendant with the bracelet will cost only $12.50 a day versus treatment programs that cost $193 per day.
To read the full article, click here.
Cash-For-Bail Scheme in India
INDIA – MLA Suresh Babu admitted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau that he and two associates paid money to judge T. Pattabhi Rama Rao as a bribe, acting under instructions from Congress chief B. Sriramulu. The money was handed over to secure bail for Janardhan Reddy. Reddy was able to secure bail, which according to investigators is because of the bribe paid.
To read the full article, click here.
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