Bail Blotter: IBISWorld Releases Report on the State of the Bail Bond Industry
- September 13, 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.
Different Judges, Different Bonds
GAINESVILLE, FL – According to a recent newspaper article in Florida, bail set by 8th Circuit judges varies widely, even in cases involving similar crimes. Part of the reason is because statutes concerning pretrial release allow for much of a judges discretion when it comes to setting bond. Judges take into consideration a number of factors – including a defendant’s past, financial situation, and the charges – when setting bond. Defendants can also seek bond reduction requests in order to lower a bail amount if they cannot pay it.
To read the full article, click here.
Bondsman Speaks at Trial
YUMA, AZ – Doyle McCurley, an Arizona bondsman, recently testified at the trial of Preston Strong. Strong is accused of killing a doctor five years ago and attorneys requested that McCurley testify because Strong was allegedly in McCurley’s office a number of times, including the day of the killing. McCurley testified that Strong was an acquaintance. He also claimed to be anxious about Strong’s frequent visits to the office, as he was concerned about McCurley potentially skipping town.
To read the full article, click here.
Judge Says No to Electronic Monitoring Devices – For Now
CHARLESTON, SC – Circuit Judge Stephanie McDonald has decided that defendants in the Charleston area will not be getting new electronic monitoring until more is done to ensure that the system is effective. The judge reached the decision after attorneys voiced their concerns about the use of the devices. The devices are used to track defendant’s whereabouts, but according to prosecutors the bondsmen who monitor the devices are not always effective at tracking defendants. Prosecutors pointed out cases where an electronic monitoring device went off and bondsmen called the defendant with the device but did not investigate the matter when the defendant claimed not to be violating the terms of their bail. In some cases, attorneys are having trouble getting paperwork from the monitoring company in cases where they think that a bail violation has occurred.
To read the full article, click here.
Charleston Seeks to Ban Bondsmen
CHARLESTON, WV -- The East End Main Street program is moving forward with a plan to ban West Virginia bondsmen and other types of companies from the East End of the city. Among the businesses to be banned are adult businesses, gambling establishments, bail bondsmen, gambling businesses, and check cashing services. In a vote, the Urban Renewal Authority decided to send the ban idea forward to City Council. City Council will need to agree on the plan before a ban can take place. According to the Urban Renewal Authority, banning these types of businesses will help the East End.
To read the full article, click here.
IBISWorld Releases Report About the State of the Bail Bond Industry
LOS ANGELES, CA – In the past five years, the bail bonds industry has seen revenue losses of 5.2% yearly, on average, according to a new report by IBISWorld. However, it is expected that revenues will improve 1.4% over the next year, to $698.2 million. According to IBISWorld, high personal savings, lower crime rates, and higher fixed costs have hurt many bail bonds businesses, leading to many business closures and just a handful of very large businesses in the industry.
To read the full article, click here.
Pre-Arrest Bail Granted in Ephedrine Case
PAKISTAN – Textile Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin has been granted pre-arrest bail in the ephedrine scandal. The Supreme Court has granted two surety Rs 500,000 bonds and Shahabuddin will need to appear back in court on September 25. Shahabuddin has denied the accusations against him and his attorneys have stated that former Health director general Rashid Juma was the one that permitted the ephedrine quota which sparked a controversy.
To read the full article, click here.
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