htxag09 said:

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Get vaccine, have record expunged

Surprised Houston hasn't had one of these, yet. Murder someone? Get a vaccine and we'll lower your bond 50% and delay your trial one year!

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AlaskanAg99 said:

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There was some presser today of top law enforcement. I had to bail after first 40 mins, no Lina/Sly, a rep from Boss Ogg's office was there but she was a no show.

Didn't see the end so not sure if there's a plan.

The fact is judges need to get back to work and get the cases under control and start putting people away.

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Quote:

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Group accused of killing victim during a stash house robbery


Three men from Houston - Charles Dawson, 42; Damon Randolph, 47; and Kiyon Marshal, 40 - were arrested Thursday accused of shooting and killing a person as they stole money and drugs from what the acting U.S. Attorney described as a "stash house."

They were charged with robbery, conspiracy to distribute narcotics and discharging a firearm resulting in death.

They all face up to life in prison, if convicted.


21-year-old federally indicted in carjacking from 2 years ago

Iveon Gallaspie was indicted by a federal grand jury for an Oct. 16, 2019 carjacking that was originally indicted in state court. Lowery said he had allegedly committed another violent crime as the state was in the process of prosecuting the carjacking.

He faces up to life in federal prison on charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.


IRS agents investigating identity theft shot at

According to the acting U.S. Attorney, 27-year-old Earnest Taylor, who is banned from possessing a firearm, is accused of opening fire at the agents on Aug. 24. The agents were trying to serve a summons to Taylor for aggravated identity theft.

Taylor, who is charged with illegally possessing the firearm and assault of a federal officer, faces up to 20 years in federal prison.


June robberies of "safe" businesses

Two men also face significant federal prison time for using a firearm during crimes committed at a Subway and a Family Dollar, two places that Lowery said should be safe places.

The men charged are 19-year-old Frederick Crouts and 24-year-old Donvonte Wallace.

They face 20 years for the robbery and an additional minimum of seven years for the firearms charges.


Others charges for firearm possession

Lowery also listed two other men who are facing federal prison, if they're convicted.

Sergio Cabrera, 28, and Jordan Allen, 29, were charged with unlawfully possessing firearms.

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Quote:

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While seemingly better for defendants, the lower fees are concerning to lawyers and jurists. Several judges worry that they no longer can count on defendants paying 10 percent for their pretrial release; others feel that even at lower rates, bail is still too much for some.

Authorities believe some defendants have committed more crime to pay bail for themselves and others, according to court records.

...

Advocates, meanwhile, do not believe any amount of cash bail keeps the public safe, and they feel bail discounts and payment plans show how many defendants primarily poor people of color remain on the hook with private enterprises after securing their freedom.

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Quote:

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The Houston Chronicle reviewed hundreds of court records and found that bail bondsmen for years have been granting less than 10 percent rates on surety bonds. A sampling of data for the first six months of 2021 supported bondsmen, defense attorney and judges' anecdotes that bail agents are more frequently charging lower fees, sometimes as small as 1 or 2 percent, at times on more violent crimes. Some of the defendants are then put on payment plans for the remainder of the money.

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Mr. Lahey said:

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https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/10/12/drive-by-shooting-victim-found-in-street-in-spring-branch-officers-say/

Some vigilantes strike back in my hood. I'm sure the da will throw the book at the hero.

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FHKChE07 said:

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And I didn't understand that if you pay the full amount to the court you get your money back, and if you pay the bondsman they keep the cash and the bondsman does not have to pay anything to the court. I thought they were like insurance companies and making money on the time they held your money, but no, they just keep it.

So at least those guys are losing out on $10k if they actually get charged 10%.

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Mr. AGSPRT04 said:

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htxag09 said:

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My understanding is the $350k is fully refundable when he appears for court. So he goes to a bail bond company, they will put up the $350k, but charge 10%, so he pays them $35k. When he appears for trial they get their $350k back.

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Bonding company posts a bond for the full amount, but doesn't actually post the cash unless the bond is forfeited*, as I understand it. Cash bond is when the actual dollars are posted.

*Forfeited bonds are rarely pursued for collection in Harris Co., which incentivizes lending at low rates to deadbeats. Like government-backed loans for $200k lib arts degrees.

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sts7049 said:

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however, i can't help but think how unsafe an idea it would be to go to an ATM in the middle of the night like that.

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Sea Speed said:

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sts7049 said:

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however, i can't help but think how unsafe an idea it would be to go to an ATM in the middle of the night like that.

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Never tried to go skiing after a few drinks I see

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