True Crime Stories

In this jurisdiction, people who are arrested are entitled to a "bond (bail) hearing" within 24 hours of arrest.

All of the arrestees are in a special room in the jail that is video and audio-linked to the Courtroom where a Judge, a prosecutor, and a public defender are present. The Judge calls the arrestee's name, he/she steps forward, the Judge formally advises the person of the charges, and then reviews the police officer's report for legal sufficiency.

The jailer then advises the judge of what the "standard" bond is for the crime charged, and the Judge sets bond. For First Degree Murder, the Judge has no discretion. Noone so charged is entitled to bond at this hearing.

The bond hearing is a quick proceeding, usually no more than half a minute (this is a volume business), but sometimes arrestees still manage to worsen their situation.

(As is everything written under this heading, what follows is true and unembellished. This is a verbatim transcript of the hearing.)

JUDGE: Elijah Hughes. Mr. Hughes you are charged

with First Degree Murder. I find probable cause.


JAILER: No bond.


JUDGE: No bond.


MR. HUGHES: It wasn't Murder, she was alive when I

left.


PUBLIC DEFENDER: Don't say anything.


(Other Arrestees laughing loudly)