Video: Bond limits in Alabama set by law
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Fact Finder: Bond Limits
When someone is murdered, it's often hard for victims' families to understand why the accused killer is back on the streets before their loved one is buried.
It’s often hard for murder victims’ families to understand why the accused killer is back on the streets before their loved one is buried.
Related Links
Alabama Bail Laws
http://www.pretrial.org/Docs/Documents/Alabama.doc
V.O.C.A.L. (Victims of Crime and Leniency)
http://www.vocalonline.org/
Alabama Victim Assistance
http://www.ago.state.al.us/victim_staff.cfm
Class C Felony
http://www.ago.state.al.us/victim_master.cfm?Action=Parole
About Bail Bonds
http://research.lawyers.com/Bail-Bonds.html
Crime Victims Rights in Alabama
http://www.ago.state.al.us/documents/victims_rights.pdf
Lynne Jones, Producer
Jamey Bryan, Photographer/Editor
Published: July 9, 2009
When someone is murdered, it’s often hard for victims’ families to understand why the accused killer is back on the streets before their loved one is buried.
Alabama law sets bail guidelines for murder at $15,000 to $75,000.
Attempted murder or assault are considered Class C Felonies with a recommended bond between $2,500 to $15,000.
An inmate only has to put up 10% of his hond to get out of jail.
So is the price of freedom too low for the accused?
Andrea Lindenberg looks at the way bond is set in Alabama.
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Reader Reactions
One thing that NBC 13 should do is follow-up with a report on bonds set for low-level charges, such as technical violations. There is a need to shed light on the multitude of low-level charges and the bonds set that keep many in jail awaiting their court date. The Birmingham News reported this week that 156 people are currently in Jefferson County’s jail on technical violations. It would be interesting to know what bonds were set for these individuals and the charges they face.
Also, I appreciate your inclusion of the defense attorney in your story. So often cases are grouped in the public eye by the charge, making each case seem the same, but in reality case outcomes vary because defendants and their cases are individual and unique.
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