Legislation Update: Connecticut Considering 10 Percent Cash Bail

Senator John Kissel of Connecticut's 7th District has proposed a bill that would authorize "an accused person or a person in his or her behalf, other than a bail bondsman, to post ten per cent of the amount called for by a surety bond to secure such person’s release." This bill, which would create 10 percent cash bail in Connecticut, would be detrimental to the bail industry in this state.

TX Bounty Hunter Indicted on Felony Assault Charge

A Waco, Texas bounty hunter was recently found guilty on enhanced aggravated assault charges, a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison. Dale “Cowboy” Cobb was found guilty after an October 2006 incident where he assaulted James Callahan, who had missed his court date.

CA Bail Agents Claim Sheriff Allows Gangs to Control Bail

Three California bail agents have filed a legal claim, usually the first step in a lawsuit, against Orange County, California. The bail agents claim that the Sheriff’s Department has been allowing gang members inside the prisons to direct inmates to certain bail agencies who then give money back to the gang.

Texas Bail Agents Not Happy with New Sheriff in Town

Four bail agents in Starr County, Texas are not happy with the dissolution of the county’s bail bonds oversight board. The bail agents claim to have found over 250 instances of the new sheriff accepting bonds from prisoners that fall outside the county rules.

Family Duped by Fake "Bail-Bonds Specialist"

Two California families were scammed out of thousands of dollars after being referred to a “bail bonds specialist” by Catholic Charities. The families thought the "specialist", Estrella Hernandez, would be able to write an immigration bond to get their loved one out of jail.