Bail Blotter: Going to Jail over Private Debt

• August 25, 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.

Will Bondsmen Benefit from the Republican National Convention?

TAMPA, FL – Some businesses in Tampa are gearing up for the Republican National Convention, which will likely provide an economic boost to the area. Guy Wilson of Abby's Bail Bonds in Tampa and other Florida bondsmen believe that the convention will give them a boost as well. As Wilson points out, the RNC will mean 50,000 visitors, some of whom will have differing political opinions. The result could be altercations that lead to arrests. As a result, bondsmen could be getting calls from out of town visitors who get arrested. Wilson has already provided business cards and his number to protestors who are already gathering for the RNC.

To read the full article, click here.

Jail for Debtors Raises Ire

ST. LOUIS, MO – The Bill of Rights in the Missouri constitution states that people cannot be placed in jail for debts unless they do not pay their fines. However, a local newspaper article notes that a growing number of people are being imprisoned in the area for failing to pay their high-interest short-term payday loans.  Many of those arrested for non-payment are also told that they cannot use the services of a Missouri bondsman to post bail. The situation happens when a debtor has a civil judgment brought about them. If the debtor does not show up in court, the creditors can get a body attachment order to arrest. This gets the debtor placed in jail until they can post bond or until a court hearing is held. Some attorneys claim that the system creates a debtors prison and ensures that people are held in prison just because they cannot pay debts.

To read the full article, click here.

Bail Lowered in Hate Crime Case

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – Mercedes Ayers, 17, had her bond cut in half to $5,000. Ayers was being held after allegedly taking part in a hate crime, attacking a lesbian. After Associate Circuit Judge Gary Kamp reduced the bail, Ayers’ mother got her daughter released shortly thereafter. The judge listed a number of conditions, including ensuring that Ayers remains in school, out of trouble, and away from the victim of the attack. The bond was lowered in the case after Ayers’ mother argued that she could not raise the $1,000 required to pay a Missouri bondsman on the $10,000 bond. 

To read the full article, click here.

Sneiderman Stays in Jail, Even With Bond Granted

DEKALB COUNTY, GA - Andrea Sneiderman remained in jail after she was granted a bond order for a $500,000 bond. Authorities noted that the cash and collateral needed to get her out of jail has not been posted. Sneiderman has been arrested and placed in jail for allegedly plotting to have her husband killed. Under the terms of the bond, $250,000 of the bond needs to be in cash. In addition, a surety bond is needed for collateral on the rest of the bond. According to a Georgia bondsman, it can take some time in cases such as these for families and friends to come up with cash and collateral. In addition, at the DeKalb County Jail an inmate must wait their turn in line if others are also seeking to be released on bail. 

To read the full article, click here.

Should More Money be Earmarked for Pretrial Screening?

NEW ORLEANS, LA – New Orleans criminal justice commissioner James Carter has stated that he wants the pretrial services program at Orleans Parish Prison to get triple its current money. The program is overseen by the Vera Institute for Justice and is designed to help determine the danger and flight risk of arrestees. The findings are sent on to the magistrate, who uses the information when setting bond.  Carter wants to see $623,000 in the proposed budget for 2013 for Vera. 

To read the full article, click here. 

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