New Bail Bond Laws Keep Repeat Offenders Off the Streets

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Keeping our community safer by keeping repeat offenders off the streets. That's the goal of a new law that went into effect this week.
It requires people on probation and parole to see a district court judge before getting bond on new felony offenses.
Local prosecutors say it sends a tough message to repeat offenders.
There are more than 3,500 people on parole and probation in New Hanover County.
If one of them commits another crime, they'll have to stay in jail until they can get a court hearing to set their bail.

One bail bondsman tells us this will hurt his bottom line.

Anthony Newkirk hasn't been a bail bondsman very long, but he knows business is the slowest it's been in years.

This week, business got worse.

"Weekends and holidays, tremendously. It will tremendously affect our business," says Newkirk.
That's because under a new North Carolina law that went into effect December 1st, people who commit a felony while on probation or parole will have to go before a district court judge to get bail.
Prior to December 1st, they could just see a magistrate at the jail.

New Hanover and Pender Counties district attorney Ben David says, "This law makes it much tougher on career criminals in the criminal justice system to get out if they've committed another offense while they're on probation."

Read more here.

Pierce County judges defend Clemmons bail decisions

The idea is presumed innocence.

It’s the guiding principle in criminal cases, and it applied to suspected cop-killer Maurice Clemmons this summer and fall. It’s the reason he was able to bail out of jail on multiple charges of third-degree assault, malicious mischief and second-degree child rape.

Pierce County Superior Court judges, under fire for their decisions regarding Clemmons, say the bail decisions and amounts set for his release have been misstated in some media accounts, and in some cases misunderstood. Outside of capital cases, criminal defendants have the right to bail. That’s the way the law works.

“People want judges to follow the law,” said Bryan Chushcoff, the county’s presiding judge. “The state constitution says we have to set bail and we can’t set all cash. We have to set reasonable bail. We have to allow bonds until there’s been a conviction.”

Chushcoff said the judges were considering a general statement on the issue, but remained wary of violating codes of judicial conduct regarding discussion of active cases. As of Tuesday evening, no statement had been released.

Records of Clemmons’ spin through the courts reveal that he posted bail three times, for a total of $420,000 – in cash terms, that meant $42,000.

The first bond – $40,000 – was posted Sunday, May 10, by Aladdin Bail Bonds, after Clemmons had been arrested on multiple charges of third-degree assault and malicious mischief. During that incident, he punched a county sheriff’s deputy in the face.

Clemmons used a process called “booking bail,” which allowed him to post a bond on a weekend, without appearing before a judge.

The second bond was more complicated.

Following the May arrest, subsequent investigation led to a charge of second-degree child rape against Clemmons. The victim was a 12-year-old relative. Charging papers say that Clemmons touched the victim with his hands and mouth, and tried to have sex, but the victim refused. It was a special assault case, relatively common – the court typically has 400 to 500 in its pipeline at any given time.

Parole officials in Arkansas had learned of Clemmons’ arrest and the charges, and issued a fugitive warrant for his arrest, tied to earlier convictions for aggravated robbery and burglary in that state. The Arkansas warrant, issued May 29, contained a no-bail provision, meaning Clemmons could be held without bail pending extradition.

On July 1, Clemmons was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail. He was charged in three separate criminal cases: the assault case from May, the child rape case and the Arkansas fugitive case.

On July 2, Judge John McCarthy tackled all three matters. He ordered Clemmons held without bail on the fugitive warrant, and set new bail bond amounts for the other two cases: $40,000 for the assault and $150,000 for the child rape charge.

“The biggest misconception is that I set bail in the amount of $15,000, when in fact I ordered that he (Clemmons) be held without bail on the fugitive case,” McCarthy said Tuesday, citing erroneous accounts in the national media.

Prosecutors asked for $200,000 on the child rape case. McCarthy set bail at $150,000. The prosecutor’s office has since said that the bail amount was unusually high, given the underlying charges. McCarthy agrees.

“I think anybody who works in this court would tell you the bail that was set in this case based on the charges was high,” he said.

At that stage, the bail amounts were a moot point, because of the Arkansas warrant and the no-bail provision. The landscape changed later in July, when Arkansas parole officials decided to rescind their warrant. That nullified the no-bail provision. Prosecutors in Pierce County were forced to dismiss the fugitive case on July 23.

That meant Clemmons was eligible for bail. He posted it July 24, with the Seattle Bonding Co., and left the jail.

Clemmons was arrested again in August, this time on a warrant filed by the Washington Department of Corrections, which had inherited parole supervision from Arkansas. This time he stayed in jail for three months while prosecutors ordered a mental health examination related to his competency to stand trial.

His next bail hearing was Nov. 12, before Judge Thomas Felnagle. Again, prosecutors argued for a $200,000 bond. Felnagle’s decisions mirrored McCarthy’s. He set the same bail amounts: $40,000 for the assault case, and $150,000 for the child rape charge. (Felnagle did not respond to a request for comment.)

Read more here. 

SOOFEM.com Donates Caller ID Spoofing Services to Bail Bondsmen

Ericka Holman, Interim President of SPOOFEM.COM, will be donating SPOOFEM cards to licensed law enforcement, private investigators, and bail bondmen professionals to give them a feel for the Spoofing service for the month of December. Applicants can register online at www.SPOOFEM.com by clicking on the investigator icon located on the homepage.

"We want to give these professionals the experience of using our products and services. It is important for them to know how it works, and is it going to fit into their organization," says Holman. "We hope to give them the feedback and response they need when searching for people, to see if this may be a quick way for them to get information without going through the normal channels."

The main service these professionals will be able to benefit from is the Caller ID Spoofing service. Caller ID Spoofing is a service that allows you to dial any phone number and have any number you choose show up in the recipient's caller ID. Users are also able to change their voice to sound like that of a man or a woman, record the conversation, and have it emailed to them within seconds of hanging up the call. SPOOFEM.COM even allows you to send text messages and emails that appear to have come from someone else.

In addition to providing consumers with a caller ID spoofing service, SPOOFEM.COM also supplies spy products such as voice changers, detection kits, GPS tracking systems, and computer security software.


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‘High Flight Risk’ Polankski Granted $4.5M Bail

“Dog” the Bounty Hunter may have to learn a little French and change his name to “Le Chien.”

Convicted sex with a child offender and bail-jumper, Roman Polanski, finally arrested in Zurich after 32 years and headed for extradition to Los Angeles, has cut a deal with a Swiss court to make bail there.

The international fugitive would make bail on a negotiated $4.5 million, though the Oscar-winning director (“The Pianist”) would perhaps skedaddle back to France, who has never considered extradition to the U.S. as they consider him an adopted cultural hero.

Polanski will have to pay cash for whatever percentage agreed on with his bailbondsman, in the U.S. about 10 percent. He would then move to a Swiss chalet under house arrest while the Swiss decides if it will appeal the bail decision to their Supreme Court. They have 10 days to do so.

Read more here

Bail company loses $50K over man deported from Morris

An insurance company that covered the bail on a man accused of molesting a child in Morris Township, and later deported to his native Honduras, has been ordered by a judge to forfeit the $50,000 bond.

Superior Court Judge John B. Dangler late Friday upheld a colleague's ruling in April that Texas-based Financial Casualty & Surety Co. had to forfeit the $50,000 bail it provided to TBA Bail Bonds in Woodstown when it wrote a bond for sexual assault suspect Carlos Ulloa Murillo, 21.

Murillo was charged in April 2008 with sexually abusing a young girl and posted $50,000 bail in August 2008.

While Murillo was in the Morris County jail, the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency filed a detainer against him for being in this country illegally, and picked him up from the jail two days after he posted bail. An immigration judge in September authorized Murillo's removal to Honduras — leaving the criminal charge against him unresolved.

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Bail System Can Be Confusing For Many

Bail Amounts Tied To Factors Other Than Severity Of Charge

It is the one of the first hurdles suspects face when they get arrested in New Hampshire -- posting bail to get out of lockup. But in many cases, bail varies from tens of thousands of dollars to no money at all.

And sometimes, lesser offenses end up with higher bail amounts. It can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the system, but legal experts said it usually makes sense if you understand what bail is intended to accomplish.

The issue came to a head in one Hooksett neighborhood recently. Registered sex offender Joel Dutton was arrested and charged with assaulting a child, but then allowed to go home on personal recognizance bail -- basically, a promise that he will return to court and follow the rules.

Neighbors expressed outrage that Dutton was released.

Legal experts say understanding the bail system can be difficult. Recent cases show wide differences in bail amounts that don't seem to be related to the severity of the charges.

A college student accused of phone threats was ordered held on $25,000 cash bail. A man accused of assaulting a 2-year-old in West Stewartstown was released on personal recognizance bail. He was later sent to jail -- his bail revoked -- after police said he violated the terms of release.

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'Grandma, I'm in jail and need bail money' scam targets seniors

In recent weeks, Yavapai Sheriff's deputies took two reports of a telephone fraud targeting seniors. A caller contacts an older person claiming to be his or her grandson and shares a believable story of an involvement in an accident or criminal incident in Canada and subsequent arrest. The "grandson" asks for money to post bail and then puts a person on the line, supposedly a bail bondsman. The bondsman provides the bail amount, usually several thousand dollars, and requests that money be wired using a MoneyGram or Western Union service. In some cases the bogus "bondsman," even calls back to thank the victim.

Both Yavapai County victims were suspicious and did not send any money.

This scam appeals to the emotions the elderly who feel an immediate need to help a desperate family member. Stories range from an accident to a situation in which the "grandson" picked up a couple of hitchhikers found with drugs during a traffic stop.

Many suspects use social networking sites, such as MySpace or Facebook, to identify family members through profiles and photos. A check of online phone directories provides a telephone number and the scam is under way. In some cases, suspects find travel plans and give specific family information that makes the scheme more plausible.

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Bail bondsman finds 'Most Wanted' suspect

A bail bondsman tracked down a man featured last week in "Guilford County's Most Wanted."

Greensboro police said officers arrested Jamaal Mauta Perry shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday at 208 E. Whittington St. Police said a bail bondsman found Perry and called police to help with the arrest.

Perry, 29, of 1619 Lincoln. St., is being held in the Guilford County jail on a $17,000 bond. He has been charged with assault by strangulation and a probation violation.

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"Balloon Boy's" Parents Full of Hot Air

A run-away UFO-shaped balloon. A 6 year-old boy trapped inside. On October 16, the world was captivated as this drama unfolded in front of them, only to find out that the boy was hiding at the house the entire time.

It turns out this was nothing but an elaborate scheme set up by Richard and Mayumi Heene to increase their exposure and be on television. The Heenes are expected to plead guilty to criminal charges on Friday stemming from the incident.

While it is possible that they could face jail time, the prosecutor will recommend probation.

What Happens When You DO Steal Something From a Baby...

Next time someone tells you something is "as easy as stealing candy from a baby," think twice about what the consequences might be. Two women in Pennsylvania who pled guilty to using two Wal-Mart gift cards they found at the store were sentenced to holding signs by the courtyard that said, "I stole from a 9-year-old on her birthday! Don't steal or this could happen to you!"

As it turns out, the gift cards the two women found and used were left on a box by a nine year-old child. Despite the child's name on the cards, the women told the cashier the gift cards belonged to them.

Don't believe us? Read the complete story (with pictures!) here.

World's Worst Disguise

What do you do when you realllllly want to rob a house but don't have time for those pesky details like buying a ski mask? Do what Matthew McNelly and Joey Miller of Iowa did - draw one on!

That's right, draw your disguise ON YOUR FACE with a SHARPIE. Foolproof, right? Well, foolproof until the cops pull you over and immediately recognize you as the two men with "the painted faces" that the witness saw attempt to break into a house.

Don't believe us? Read the complete story (including mugshots!) by clicking here.

Judge Revokes $1.6 Mil Bail, Releases Sex Offender on OR

Kim Palmer of Kim Palmer A1 Bail Bonds didn't like her odds when she heard that Doug Wilhite, a man she had earlier bailed out of jail on a $100,000 bond, had been charged with seven new sex offenses, and that the police had been tipped off that Wilhite was planning on fleeing. The bail for the new charges alone was $1.6 million. Circuit Judge John Doyle decided that Wilhite could be released, but Palmer did what she thought was best and revoked Wilhite's bond, bringing him back to jail.

Despite Palmer's best judgement in revoking the bail, Circuit Judge R. Michael Hutcheson at a separate hearing decided that Wilhite wasn't a danger to the community or a flight risk, and released him on his own recognizance.

Don't believe us? Read the complete story here.

DWI On a Motorized La-Z-Boy

Adults are constantly warned about the dangers of getting behind the wheel of a car after having one too many to drink. From getting a DUI to accidentally killing someone, it is safe to say that the perils of drinking alcohol then driving a car are well known. Drinking and driving a La-Z-Boy, however? That may be another story.

Dennis Anderson of Minnesota found out the hard way that the safest way to drink in a La-Z-Boy is parked in front of the television set. Instead, officers arrested Anderson after he crashed his motorized armchair into a parked car after having 8 or 9 drinks at a bar. Anderson was found guilty of a DWI and was placed on probation for two years.

Don't believe us? Read the rest of the story here.

Man Allegedly Tased in Rent Argument

A Shelbyville bail bondsman was charged with aggravated assault Wednesday night after allegedly tasing a man in a dispute over rent payments, Shelbyville police said.

The victim arrived at the Bedford County Sheriff's Department with a probe embedded in his lower abdomen and a "place" on his chest where another probe had been, Officer Sam Jacobs said. Jacobs was told the probes were from a Taser shot by "Carlos the bondsman."

Read the complete story here.

Caregiver Suspected of Poisoning Elderly Patient Denied Bail

A caregiver of an elderly Florida lady was denied bail after allegedly stealing from then poisoning the 78-year-old woman in her care. A toxicology report showing ten times the prescribed amount of painkillers in the victim's body confirmed that she had not died of natural causes, like the caregiver claimed.

Read the complete story here.

Bail Agents Fight Back Against Pre-Trial Release

The bail-bond industry sent a glossy four-page flier to 50,000 mailboxes this month, warning Orange County taxpayers that elected officials are allowing drunken drivers, drug dealers and violent criminals out of jail by using a costly but flawed pretrial-release program.

That flier, urging residents to tell commissioners to end the "wasteful" program, lists people arrested and released for crimes ranging from drug possession and child neglect to concealing a firearm and lewd behavior. But various judicial and county officials say themaileris misleading on a number of fronts and leaves out a crucial fact: All the arrested people cited in the mailer could bail out of jail and be on the street — even if the release program was not in place.

What the mailer really shows, county officials say, is a struggling bail-bond industry that fears the spread of successful pretrial-release programs nationwide could cost them serious business.

"Our interest is public safety," said Michael Tidwell, Orange's jail chief. "The interest of the bail-bond industry is their livelihood; it's their profit margin."

The mailer prompted County Mayor Rich Crotty to hastily include a public briefing about it for commissioners on today's regular meeting agenda.

The fight centers around certain minimal-risk jail inmates who are offered a low-cost release from jail while awaiting a court hearing.


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No Bail for "Dangerous" Cigarette Dealer

A New York store owner selling untaxed cigarettes on the black market has been denied bail by Judge Denis Hurley. Hurley claims that the store owner is "dangerous," despite being acquitted of arson, murder and other charges.

Read the complete story here.

Inmate population surges as bail bond debate swirles

Changes in the amount of bail that offenders must post to get out of jail have sparked a controversy among county officials and residents.

Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena says the county jail is near capacity and that the county risks being placed under federal oversight and ordered to build a new jail wing if the inmate population doesn’t decrease.

Read more here.

10 Great Cars for 10 Different Jobs

Job: Bounty hunter
Do you think of Labor Day more as the ceremonial end of summer or the official beginning of football season? As the start of yet another school year or just a welcome three-day weekend? Well, the U.S. Department of Labor sees it as a "yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." So, in the spirit of putting some of the labor back into Labor Day, we put together a list of 10 cars for 10 jobs.

Car: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Whether the chase takes you over rocks, across a desert or just up and down a few curbs, the all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor's standout suspension will help you get your man (or woman). The menacing looks won't hurt, either.

 Read more here.

CT Insurance Commissioner Cracks Down on Bail Bond Agents

State Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan is cracking down on improper business practices by the surety bail bond industry in Connecticut, which includes agents discounting bond premiums in order to gain business.

That allows defendants to get out of jail for a reduced price.

Recent enforcement actions against surety bail bond agents have resulted in two license revocations, two license suspensions, one year-long probation, and fines totaling $7,500, the state insurance department said.

"There is no reason why this industry can't operate within the letter of the law," Sullivan said in a written statement.

Surety bail bond agents are regulated by the insurance department because they are appointed agents of an insurance company. The department licenses 516 surety bail bond agents, 136 bail bond agencies, and 19 surety companies in the state.

Read  more here.