tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post115102354910314509..comments2024-03-25T20:06:39.794-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Campaign contributions from bail bondsmen goes to Tarrant County decisionmakersGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-1160769469128007092006-10-13T14:57:00.000-05:002006-10-13T14:57:00.000-05:00There are several misconceptions in this article. ...There are several misconceptions in this article. First, in regard to overcrowding, the increased use of pre-trial services will only slightly improve this problem. The entire aim of pre-trial is releasing low-risk, non-violent offenders. Additionally, generally those eligible for pre-trial release are first time offenders, sometimes second time offenders. It is precisely these people that usually are able to post bond and be released anyway. Therefore pre-trial release will not alleviate overcrowding in this regard. The same people that find it difficult to obtain release via bail bond companies, will NOT be eligible for pre-trial release. The second poin of error is the mistaken belief tht the bail bond system costs defendants more money. Although the initial cost of release is less, the collateral costs usually make the cost equal in the long run. Usually as a condition od pre-trial release, defendants have to submit to monthly or weekly drug testing, as well as requiring visitaion with pre-trial serivces while the case is pending. The cost of these classes and tests, as well as the days missed form work ususally balance the costs out for the defendants. In the event you were actually able to produce an actual cost benefit to the defendant via pre-trial release, that simply means the cost will be bourne by society rather than the defendant. By using a private enterprise organization such as a bail bond company, all costs of regulating the defendants actions, keeping tabs on their whereabouts, making sure they respond to the charges in court, and locating and returning to custody any absconders is assumed by the bail bond comanies, NOT the county itself, which is already understaffed and overworked. It is silly to put the risk of bail jumpers on the county when you can get a GUARANTEED source of money in the event the defendant flees. In that event, the bail bond company will assume the loss at a SUBSTANTIAL economic benefit to the county. In addition, many counties have the practice of declaring defendants who simply arrive LATE to court as bond forfeitures thereby allowing them to obtain judgements against the bonding companies in amounts ranging from 150.00 to 300.00. This is also a significant source of income for theses counties. As a final observation, I believe the hypothesis that because a defendant pays 150.00 or 200.00 to a bail bond company they can no longer afford an attorney is sorely mistaken. Generally, lawyers for criminal cases charge at least 750.00 per case and up from there. Therefore in relation to the costs of an attorney, bail bond fees are insignificant. Thus the person who truly cannot afford an attorney will not miraculously be able to afford one because he saved a hundred bucks on a bond. Further, usually to receive a PR bond, you must show stability via employment, either for yourself or your family. Thus, these people whether released on surety bond or PR bond will be able to continue gainful employment and generate revenue thereby being ineligible for court appointed attorneys anyway. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your political ideology, almost all criminal defendants are entitled to attorneys, either retained or free if they are unable to afford one. Therefore, without a constitutional amendment, defendants are entitled to an attorney, and the miniscule costs of low risk, non-violent first time offenders does not affect this dynamic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com