Keep Bailing

Last week, in a letter to the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff Lee Baca proposed closing the minimum security jail at the Pitchess Detention Center in order to mitigate $79 million in losses to the department due to budget cuts.

The Los Angeles Daily News article states:

The proposal, if ultimately approved, would reduce the amount of time county-sentenced inmates spend in jail and potentially could increase jail violence, Read more »

California Laws Will Keep You Safe

This year, the much anticipated 4th of July holiday falls on a glorious Saturday. What a joy to have the day off to barbeque and relax with family and friends as dusk reveals those beautiful bursts of light in the sky.

However, with all the fires in California as of late, officials are cracking down on any illegal fireworks. This year, spring rains have led to an over abundance of dry grass and brush on mountains, hills, fields and road sides. One single spark from an illegal firework could ignite another monstrous blaze and ruin everyone’s joy.

Officials ask for the help of the public to make this year’s Read more »

Traffic into a Coal Mine, that is

One of our all time favorite movie mermaids has splashed into the news after being arrested on misdemeanor charges of obstruction and impeding traffic. She was booked by State Police after becoming involved in a protest against coal mining in the mountain tops of West Virginia.

Actress and environmentalist Daryl Hannah along with Read more »

Oregon: Go To Jail, Stay There

As a former Oregonian, I find it interesting that the state legislator is finally considering allowing bail bond companies to operate in the state of Oregon. While Oregon alllows for bail, bail bond companies have been unable to operate in Oregon since 1974. Only four states in the US do not allow bondsman. HB 2682 would require an interim committee to study the issue prior to the next legislative session. Allowing bondsmen should allow more people to get out on bail while being overseen by bondsmen, relieving pressure in jails while providing assurances for return to court.

Oregon: Skipping Bail? Go There

Apparently, HB 2682 specifically is written to permit sureties to offer commercial surety release (or, in plain English, bondsman can provide bail bonds for a fee). Unfortunately, Oregon’s fugutive laws Read more »

Whether you’re getting ready for Summer vacation or you travel abroad on business, you have probably watched carefully the story of reports Euna Lee and Laura Ling, sister of news correspondent Lisa Ling.

Being arrested abroad is a serious situation. Other countries don’t offer the protection that the United States offers.

Read more »

We hear it almost everyday: “What’s your rate?” or ”Can I get a bond at 5%?”

We know when someone calls and starts with those questions, we probably aren’t going to write the bond. How do we know? We know because the legal bail rates in California are clear. The people we deal with for bail are concerned with our professionalism and how quickly and efficiently we can get their situation settled. They aren’t looking to do business illegally.

So why do people who need bail call with such questions? One word: “Undercutting.” This is the term used for the practice of offering illegally low rates on bail. It’s a major problem Read more »