Accountability and Bail Bonds

ORLANDO, FL – Recent media coverage of bail bond professionals – who often are credited with releasing dangerous criminals back on the streets – is based on misinformation. In fact, the author of this article notes that the bond system is meant to ensure that the accused are compelled to show up in court for their trial because they have a financial incentive to do so. Up to 65 percent of criminals arrested in Orange County are released by unsecured means, meaning that there is no accountability. Unsecured pretrial-release practices do not provide any real incentive for alleged felons to show up for trial.

For Clooney “Bounty Hunter” May be a Bad Word

NEW YORK - Actor George Clooney lashed out at the paparazzi, saying they endanger celebrities by ignoring the rules of the road. Clooney said that paparazzi illegally chase celebrities in high-speed car pursuits that place everyone in danger. Even more disturbingly, Clooney compares paparazzi to "bounty hunters." AboutBail.com staff can’t help but wonder: What is the connection between illegal car chases and bounty hunters?

Bail Bondsman Claims Bonding Process Takes Too Long

ARKANSAS - Benton County Jail inmates take a much longer time to go through the bail process than their Washington County counterparts. The claim was made by Curt Clark, a bail bond agent with Action Bail Bonds. Clark notes that inmates of the Benton County Jail take about seven hours to have bail processed, while Washington County Jail inmates wait an average of 15 to 30 minutes for release. The commander of the Benton County jail said the amount of paperwork determines how long it takes for someone to be released.

Bail Bondsmen Acquitted

MOBILE, AL - A Mobile bail bondsman and his worker recently were acquitted. Bondsman Clint Ulmer and his employee Bobby Crook were charged with kidnapping a woman from a McDonald’s restaurant in 2006. Circuit Judge Rick Stout told jurors that there appeared to be no elements justifying a charge of second-degree kidnapping. The judge instead asked jurors to determine whether the two men were guilty of unlawful imprisonment in the second degree. Ultimately, the jurors found that even the lesser charges did not apply.

Agency to Bail and Hire Accused

MANILA - The Metro Manila Development Authority is working on a plan to bail out accused people so they can get jobs as masons, painters, street sweepers and plumbers. The Trabaho program will recruit inmates who have bailable offenses. The program would, according to supporters, ease overcrowding in jails and allow the accused to have a normal job which would provide skills and the ability to repay bondsman costs.