Lawyer Has Tantrum After Client's Bail Not Lowered

A defense lawyer went ballistic at the Criminal Justice Center yesterday after a judge initially refused to lower his client's bail or change his sentence in a contempt case.

According to observers, the attorney, Adam J. Rodgers, threw a pen and his leather bag, pushed or hurled a chair, and raised a chair over his head, then slammed it down.

Read more here.

One judge's thoughts on setting bonds - TX

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Bail Jumper Jumps Out of 3-Story Window to Escape Police

A robbery suspect who eluded police by jumping bail managed to escape again by jumping — this time from a third-floor hospital window and running three blocks on a broken ankle before being recaptured.

Damien Bell, suspected by police to be the Craigslist robber, had been arrested about 6:30 p.m. Sunday and was taken to Highland Hospital in Oakland for injuries suffered during the arrest and for shrapnel in his arm stemming from a May 5 struggle over a gun during a robbery, police said.

After being taken to an X-ray room, he bolted and ran, police said. Bell then jumped from a third-floor window and broke his ankle, but kept running for three blocks until police captured him, officials said.

Read more here.

Peterson Held on $20 Million Bail

Peterson, an ex-cop, became a target of police scrutiny after the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. He was arrested yesterday after a lengthy police investigation. He is being held in the Will County, Ill., jail on $20 million bond.

Read more here.

British Banker Released on Record High Bail of 100 Million Euros

Julius Meinl V, the head of Austria’s largest private bank, was detained over an alleged fraud and released, without charge, only after a world record bail of €100 million (£90 million) was paid.

He spent two nights in a cell after police raided his home and offices in Vienna following the collapse in value of Meinl European Land, an investment fund managed by his Meinl Bank.

Read more here.

Wesley Snipes Might Have Bail Revoked

Wesley Snipes happily posed for photographers as he mingled with guests including the Duchess of York and Sir Richard Branson at the “party of the decade”.

But four months later the pictures have come back to haunt the Hollywood actor, as American prosecutors claim they are evidence he breached the terms of an international travel ban.

They are now seeking to revoke his bail, and want to prevent the actor travelling abroad ahead of his appeal against a three-year jail sentence for tax evasion.

Read more here.

Bondsman Arrested for Kicking in Wrong Door

Police say a bail bondsman in Colorado Springs kicked in the wrong door looking for two suspects.

It happened at the Pinion Apartments on the east side of the Springs; police were called after the door was kicked in. Allegedly, the bondsman, Larry Myles, an agent with It's A Bond Thing, entered the apartment to arrest two people.

Read more here.

Agents Bring Fugitives to Justice

Dale Kress never goes hunting without the necessary equipment: a gun, a flashlight, pepper spray and a bulletproof vest.
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Kress, 56, of Port Huron is what’s known as a fugitive-recovery specialist or a bail-enforcement officer. He said those names tend to give a more professional image than the popular term does.

“A lot of us don’t like to be called bounty hunters,” Kress said.

People familiar with A&E’s hit reality TV show “Dog the Bounty Hunter” understand the basic concept of the job: When someone skips bail, the bail bondsman stands to lose a large amount of money to the court and has the option of hiring somebody to find the fugitive. The bounty hunter gets an arrest warrant, a photo of the fugitive and some relevant information with which to start their search.

Read more at TheTimesHerald.com

Bondsman on Hunt for Truth about Haggard

Boxes labeled "New Life Church" occupy a prominent spot in Bobby Brown's downtown office, a testament to his mission to get to the bottom of allegations against Ted Haggard and the megachurch Haggard once headed.

For two years, the Colorado Springs bail bondsman, investigator and sometime bounty hunter has been casually digging into Haggard's alleged sexual indiscretions while he was senior pastor at New Life Church - the result, he says, of tips that came from several sources within New Life.

But he had other work to do, and no compelling reason to devote a lot of time to the case.

That changed last Friday, after New Life senior pastor Brady Boyd e-mailed church members to say that after Haggard's resignation in 2006, the church "received reports of a number of incidents of inappropriate behavior" that occurred when Haggard was pastor.

Read more at The Gazette (Colorado Springs, CO).

Keanu to Play Futuristic Anime Bounty Hunter

After recently becoming an alien in The Day the Earth Stood Still, Keanu Reeves signed on for another sci-fi remake: this time, he will become a space-traveling bounty hunter in the live-action adaptation of the Japanese anime series Cowboy Bebop.

Read more at BuddyTV.com.

Bail Agent Fighting City of Los Angeles to Buy Used Books

Collector Richard Hopp of Van Nuys, California, is battling the city of Los Angeles and its police department over their definitions of "dealers." In November 2008 Hopp filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the city and sought "Declaratory Relief to Determine Validity of Ordinances and Injunction."

Richard Hopp is a bail bondsman by profession and "an avid collector of books, documents, and ephemera as a hobby," to quote from his suit. Hopp stated that he sets up at "exhibitions, festivals, meetings, flea markets, swap meets, trade shows, garage sales, and collector meetings" and wishes to have an "exhibitor table" or "buying booth" at the events listed above. He claims that he's just a collector, though, and not a dealer or seller.

The city of Los Angeles has two ordinances relating to the regulation of secondhand book dealers and secondhand dealers in general. Those ordinances are enforced by the police department. That department has decided that Richard Hopp is "a secondhand book dealer" and must comply with the city's rules regulating those individuals.

Read the rest of the story at Maine Antique Digest.

Bail Agent Sentence to Three Years Probation

A bail agent who pleaded guilty in 2004 to charges stemming from the county's bail bond investigation was sentenced Friday to three years felony probation.

Gerald Lee Brandt, who was one of several defendants who accepted plea bargains early in the case, was sentenced before Judge Colin Bilash in San Bernardino Superior Court.

Brandt, 40, had to give up his bail license as part of the agreement. He also agreed to testify at any upcoming trials for remaining defendants in the case.

Read more at Redlands Daily Facts.

Attorney General Drops Charges Against Jersey Bounty Hunter

Charges of witness tampering and terroristic threats against bounty hunter Adel Mikhaeil were dismissed late yesterday afternoon, his lawyer said this morning.

The state Attorney General's Office dismissed without prejudice two charges against Mikhaeil, 43, which means the state can recharge the Jersey City man in the future. A state spokesperson could not be immediately reached for the reason why the charges were dismissed.

"It's safe to say that Mr. Mikhaeil is happy about it," Robert Gold, Mikhaeil's attorney, said of the dismissal.

Read the rest of the story at NJ.com.

Bondsmen Make it Cheaper to Get Out of Jail

Bail bond agents are increasingly helping cash-strapped defendants get out of jail with ultra-cheap financing deals, a practice that worries law enforcement officials and insurers, and could endanger public safety.

To bolster their businesses during the recession, a growing number of bondsmen nationwide are requiring upfront payments that are only a fraction of the customary 10 percent premium amount - sometimes with no collateral. In exchange, the accused agree to make up the difference on credit cards or monthly installment plans.

Ten Tax Tips for Bail Agents Before 2009

With the year rapidly coming to a close, now is the time to start planning for end-of-the-year tax preparations for your business. Go ahead and spend money on your business now for things you’ll need next year so you won’t have to pay a giant tax bill in April. Remember, while we pay taxes, we’re not tax professionals. Also, state and local tax laws are different depending on where you live. Make sure you consult with your tax professional before the end of the year to make sure you’re not overlooking any deductions, or trying to deduct things that the IRS finds suspicious. You might not want to pay more taxes, but you definitely don't want to face an audit.

1. As part of the Economic Stimulus Plan of 2008, the limit on Section 179 deductions has been increased $250,000 for this year, double what it was last year. New and used equipment qualify for this deduction. Do you need a new computer? Now is the time to buy. It's alright if you need to finance these items - they're still deductible. It is important to note that any equipment you claim as a deduction must be in place and working by December 31, 2008. If you end up buying a new computer, make sure it is up and running before January 1. For more information on Section 179 deductions, check out this informative article from SmartMoney.com.

2. Believe it or not, it makes sense to buy an SUV. Ignore what we've said the rest of the year about not buying SUVs because of gas prices and green initiatives. The reason? If you buy an SUV that weighs more than 6,000 pounds and use it at least half of the time for business, you can deduct up to 75 percent of the purchase price. There are lots of SUVs that weigh more than 6,000 pounds: the Chevy Suburban, the Ford Excursion, and the Toyota Landcruiser. Now is an especially good time to invest in a new company vehicle, since car companies are drastically reducing the cost of vehicles. If you decide to put your company name on the vehicle, you can also deduct the cost of labor and materials to have that done. Talk to your tax professional to learn how to deduct up to 75 percent of the cost of certain SUVs this year.

3. Are you a member of PBUS? Of your state association? If not, you need to join your local, state, or national association. Business association dues are also tax deductible. This is a great deduction that also gives you the added benefit of great networkign opportunities.

4. Don't forget - education expenses can be deducted if it is a legal requirement for your job, or if they help you maintain or improve skills required in your present employment. Continuing education classes to maintain licensing are part of this category. Also, the registration fees for the conferences and conventions of the associations you just joined are deductible as well. Take the time to register now for conferences and continuing education classes that take place next year.

5. Book your airfare for any of the conferences you registered for, then deduct it as a travel expense, which includes air fare, hotel rooms, and car rentals. You can also deduct 50 percent of the costs for entertainment and meals, as long as they are related to business.

6. Advertising fees are another deductible business expense. Advertising fees include business cards, fliers, directory listings - basically anything that promotes and publicizes your business. If you are almost out of business cards, go ahead and order new ones so you're not caught cardless. If you advertise in any directories, ask if you can prepay next year's advertising now. Consider increasing your marketing budget and adding additional advertising. If you pay for next year’s advertising before December 31, you get twice the benefits. Not only do you help relieve this year’s tax burden, but you are driving new business to your company throughout 2009.

7. The recession is hard on everyone, but it is especially hard on charities. More people need the services of charitable organizations, while less people feel they can donate to them. Spread holiday cheer by making a contribution to your favorite charity or charities from your company. Not only will you be helping people in need and fostering a spirit of goodwill in the name of your company, but charitable contributions are tax deductible.

8. If your budget allows you, try to prepay recurring business expenses now. Consider prepaying rent for a couple months in January, or see if you can prepay your property insurance bill. Other recurring expenses you might be able to prepay include January’s cell phone or car insurance. If you pay these expenses by check, send them by registered or certified mail so you have proof that they were mailed by the end of 2008.

9. Here are a few other things that are deductible expenses because they fall into the “ordinary and usual” category: bank service charges, business-related magazines and books, casual labor and tips, coffee and beverage services, commissions, credit bureau fees, office supplies, parking and meters, postage, and promotion and publicity.

10. We've said it multiple times, and we'll say it again - consult a tax professional. No one knows tax laws better than the people who are paid to know them, and they certainly know them better than us. When in doubt, hire a CPA who will let you know for sure what can and cannot be claimed as a deduction. Remember, the cost of a CPA now just might save you the headache of an audit later.

Dying Bondsman Released from California Jail

A local bail bondsman who says he's dying of cancer was released from jail on bail, Lerdo jail officials said.

Joaquin Gracilazo Cruz, 65, is accused of cheating clients out of their property and holding clients hostage.

He's been jailed since his arrest. His attorney, Arturo Revelo, says Cruz is not getting the chemotherapy treatment that he needs. He called Cruz's wait for bail a death sentence.

Cruz's family gathered money for his bail, but the judge required them to prove the money was not the product of crime.

On Wednesday morning, the judge lowered bail to $75,000 and removed that requirement.

A letter to the judge from Dr. Ravi Patel of the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center says Cruz has six months or less to live.

Cruz, his wife and four others are charged with 33 felonies following a two-year investigation into accusations that they tricked and coerced clients into giving up property that had been put up for bail.

The wife, Eduvina "Diane" Chacon, and Isaac Trevino are accused of fraudulently getting title to clients' vehicles and houses and other property to sell or for their personal use. Losses from this totaled at least $298,000, according to a press release from the California Department of Insurance.

A New Type of Bounty Hunter

When someone mentions bounty in Hawaii, "Dog the Bounty Hunter" may come to mind. But a Windward Oahu couple is coming up with their own bounty, to sell their home.

Linda Harris and her husband haven't found much success in the real estate market these days. That's why they're offering a $100,000 bounty to anyone who can find a buyer for their two properties. So far, 12 people have stepped forward to work for that bounty.

"It's almost like a game show," Harris said. "It's got that same kind of energy and life that probably a game show has."

After dropping the price more than a half-million dollars on their Windward Oahu home, Linda Harris and her husband couldn't resist putting out a bounty to sell it.

"When the idea came up, it was like, wow, this will work, let's put it out into the world, so we talked about it and we think we have at least enough business sense to make it work," she said.

Both professors at UH, they started out by telling their grad students about it. Those two properties sit near the ocean. This home in Hauula is listed for $1.7 million and a 38-acre piece of land on the Big Island is on sale for $1.2 million.

"A few people have called and I've actually talked with them and they're oh, wow, this will cure my ills, I'll be able to pay my tuition, I'll be able to get my family in gear and they're out hunting," she said. "I'd rather see people gain from it, rather than an advertising company or a news organization, I'd rather see individuals gain from it."

The reward would be paid out by escrow when the properties have closed.

"Hopefully this is a great lesson in how creativity and innovation can result in something good for a lot of people," she said.

Harris says the bounty is legal. A state law allows one bounty per year for real estate. So far, a bounty hunter found a couple in California who came down to look at the home. Harris says the couple is now thinking it over.

If you're interested in getting the reward, you'll have to register with Harris. E-mail her at llharris@hawaii.edu.

Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler: Fugitive and Bounty Hunter?

Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler are in talks to star in an untitled bounty hunter comedy film for Columbia.

Variety reports Andy Tennant ("Hitch") has signed to direct the film – which follows a bounty hunter (Butler) hired to retrieve his ex-wife (Aniston) after she skips bail.

The film’s script was penned by Sarah Thorp ("Twisted"), and it is scheduled to start shooting in May. Neal Moritz is set to produce the film through his Sony-based Original Films.

Aniston is set to return to the big screen on Christmas Day with "Marley & Me," and has three films finished - "He's Just Not That Into You," "Traveling" and "Management."

Butler will be seen in the upcoming thriller “Game,” and the romantic comedy “The Ugly Truth” with Katherine Heigl.

Bondsmen Track Down Suspect

A man accused of a fatal shooting on Clarksville Pike was quickly caught by bail bondsmen equipped with a stun gun.

The bondsmen, employed by the U.S. Fugitive Apprehension Service, were working on a case when they saw Tyrone Davis, 29, get shot in a parking lot about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. They chased the suspect on foot and fired a Taser at him before catching him on 26th Avenue North, police said.

Nicholas Short, 19, was charged with criminal homicide. A handgun was found in his jacket, police said.

The bondsmen told police they saw the man go through Davis's pockets after the shooting.

Dozens Line Up for Chance to Meet "Dog"

Dozens of excited fans of Duane "Dog" Chapman lined up for the chance to get his autograph Wednesday.

It was quite a scene at "Da Dog House," a store that sells "Dog the Bounty Hunter" merchandise.

Dog and his crew from the popular A&E show met the fans, took pictures and signed whatever they wanted signed.