Supreme Court Lowers Iowans Bail

IOWA - The Iowa Supreme Court has decided that Iowans will need to post less cash to get out of jail. The new rules went into effect Wednesday and have received praise from bondsmen. Bail bondsmen will likely have more clients in the state, since more people will be able to pay the minimum 10% to leave jail. The Uniform Bond Schedule, set by the Court Judicial Council, was last altered in 1999. Under the new regulations, as well, inmates will now only pay for the highest class offence charged, and will not have their bonds added on each other.

NJ Bail Laws Under Scrutiny

NEW JERSEY - As the media interest in the Jose Carranza case grows, Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker has announced that more than 100 surveillance cameras will be placed in high-crime New Jersey neighborhoods. Booker has also stated that he will be calling for bail reforms in New Jersey. Bail procedures in the state have been questioned before. Last year, a police detective was killed by a man free on bail. Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex has asked Attorney General Anne Milgram to investigate the bail process in the state.

Fleeing Suspect Found in Spain

FLORIDA - Darli Velazquez Armas went on the run just two weeks after his family posted a $1 million bond. Bail Yes, of Miami, was the bail bond company that helped the family post bail and it was the company who hired investigators. The investigators were ultimately able to trace Velazquez from Miami to Spain. Velazquez was apprehended and is now facing federal drug trafficking charges. Bail Yes is also an advertiser on AboutBail.com

Corruption Case Leads to Overhaul Recommendations in New Haven

CONNECTICUT - Weeks ago, AboutBail.com staff reported on the case involving Lt. William White, a New Haven police officer who was accused of stealing money and accepting bribes from bail bondsmen. After an extensive investigation into the New Haven police force, a national policing consultant has made more than 50 recommendations for reforms. Among the recommendations are more transparent recordkeeping practices and a firm policy for dealing with confidential informants.

Chapman Not out of the Doghouse

Although Mexico has dropped charges against Duane “Dog” Chapman in his role in arresting fugitive rapist and Max Factor heir Andrew Luster, federal US Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren has not agreed to drop a $300,000 bond against Chapman. The US Office of International Affairs in Washington has also refused to drop the bond. A federal prosecutor has asked for additional time to review the case. Chapman’s fate will be decided October 26.

N.J. Officers to Take More Note of Immigration Status

A directive issued by Attorney General Anne Milgram in New Jersey now requires all police officers in the state to alert immigration officials about any undocumented individuals arrested in connection with an indictable crime. The move comes after repeated calls for a firm policy. Recently, the issue of crimes committed by illegal immigrants came to a fore in the state when an illegal immigrant, Jose Carranza, was charged with triple homicide in Newark. Police will not be able to ask about the immigration status of crime victims and witnesses.