Pre Trial Release Program At Odds With Florida Bail Bondsmen

The pretrial services debtate is not new, but it is heating up in Volusia County, Florida. Over the last year, more than 5,000 people have been released through the county's pre trial services program.

These are of course people that have been accused of minor crimes and are not thought to be a threat to the community.

On one side of the debate, bail bondsmen and sympathetic politicians. Proposed legislation that would have made deep cuts to the programs narrowly failed in the last legislative session.

On the other side of the argument are the Volusia County leaders that believe the program saves money by reducing over crowding. They consequently want to keep the pre trial services intact.


Volusia's program costs the taxpayers about $1.3 million annually. If the program were eliminated, it is estimated that one in four people who currently participate in pretrial release prgroams wouldn't be able to afford bail.

The bills that surfaced last year in the Senate and House would restrict pre trial release program participants to those that are poor. However, some analysts say keeping more people out of the pre trial release program would actually cost the taxpayers $2.7 million. The reason being that those not eligible would remain in jail and force the government to pay for them.

This debate is not likely to be over anytime soon. However, counties and states across the country keep a watchful eye over pre trial release programs in other jurisdictions for affirmations of their decisions one way or another.

Bail Bondsman Turns Himself In After Credit Card Related Arrest

An Ocala area bail bondsman turned himself into law enforcement authorities Monday night after an arrest warrant was issued for him. He was charged with unlawful use of a credit card, stemming from the fraudulent use of a Staples credit card.

Ocala police Detective Steve Thibodeau said surveillance video showed Robert D. Fox, 38, owner of Foxy’s Bail Bonds, fraudulently using a Staples credit card. Records show the ill gotten merchandise was sent to 2931 NW Eighth Place, which is the home of Foxy Bail Bonds.

After surrendering to Levy County authorities, Robert Fox posted his own $1,000 bail and was released.

Bail Bonds Legend Dies at 86

The “Little Mayor of South Main Street” may be gone, but he isn’t forgotten.

John D. “Jack” Smith Sr., a lifelong Wilkes-Barre resident, former local bail bondsman and welterweight boxing fighter, passed away Wednesday in Wilkes-Barre. He was 86 years old.

Jack, as people referred to him, was known for his well-rounded demeanor, being able to dine with the most respectable politicians while still bringing in culprits that skipped out on their bail.

“He had a table at the Woodlands every Friday night,” said Mary Lynn Smith of Fredericksburg, Md., one of Smith’s daughters. “He would eat dinner with officials, but if an average Joe needed something -- and Dad thought they were sincere -- he’d have no trouble giving it to them.”

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Payless Bail Bonds Does Good Deed Over Holidays

Far too often, the good deeds of many go unnoticed and unreported. This past year has been especially difficult for many families around the country struggling with the difficult realities of the recession. Unfortunately, at Christmas time, that often equates to kids going without presents and families struggling to do the things others take for granted.

Payless Bail Bonds, of Las Vegas Nevada, decided to improve the holiday season for many local kids and families. Having a Christmas without presents for kids is a pretty bleak position to be in as a parent. It is a relief, when someone can step in and help fill that need. Payless Bail Bonds did just that on Dec. 11th with their "Christmas on Wheels" charity.

They asked local charities such as the Salvation Army, Family Promise, Women's Resource Center and the Jewish Resource Center for names of children that could really use some holiday cheer and extra help in the Christmas present department. Payless Bail Bonds donated 50 bicycles and presented the deserving children with their early Christmas presents on Dec. 11th at the Italian American Club in Las Vegas. The Italian American Club provided much needed snacks and facilities for the event.

Not being able to provide a holiday present for your child is a gut wrenching feeling and Payless helped deliver some much needed holiday joy to families that really benefitted from the help. It is great to see the bail bonds community giving back to the less fortunate. For more information, please visit: www.paylessbail.com

New York Bail Bonds Company Owner Sentenced

Earlier this week, New York bail bondsman George Zouvelos, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on weapons charges. The owner of Spartan Bail Bonds agency he received 10 days of community services after being arrested in connection with a fight outside one of his offices.

The scuffle allegedly involved Mr. Zouvelos hitting a victim in the head with a handgun. Furthermore, the bail bondsman was said to not be licensed to have the gun.

After initially facing multiple counts including assault and other charges, he was allowed to plead down to obstruction of government administration and 4th degree weapons possession of an unloaded shotgun.

After reviewing the case both the presiding judge and District Attorney agreed to the misdemeanor plea. With the misdemeanor plea preserved his .

As a misdemeanor offender, Zouvelos whose bail bonds agency has multiple locations in New York will be allowed to continue operating as a bail bondsman in the Empire State.

Two Charged With Perjury Related to Overcharging of Bail Bonds Clients

COURT STREET — It took two Downtown Brooklyn bail bondsmen three days to bail themselves out of jail, but on Sunday, the two men were released after posting a $20,000 bond.

Kisha Dunkley, 35, and his employee Andrew O. Wright, 28, were taken into custody last week and charged with perjury related to the alleged overcharging of bail-bond clients. They are both awaiting a pretrial date in Brooklyn Criminal Court set for Thursday.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Courthouse News & Cases

Officials oppose ballot measure on bail bonds

A November ballot measure that would affect the handling of criminal defendants awaiting trial is drawing the ire of Larimer County officials.

The county commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution opposing Proposition 102, which would prohibit judges from assigning defendants to pretrial services on unsecured bonds other than first-time offenders accused of nonviolent misdemeanor crimes.

Other defendants could be assigned to the supervision of pretrial programs if they are released on surety bonds obtained through a bail bond business for a fee.
The Larimer County pretrial service program, which is one of the largest in the state, has been used as a way to keep a lid on the number of people in the county jail and the cost of operating the facility, officials said.

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