No shows a no-no, judge says

The Hattiesburg American ^ | Sunday, August 24, 2003 | Nikki Davis Maute

[Doctor Notes]

In an effort to make sure those who are accused of crimes show up in court, Forrest-Perry County Circuit Judge Bob Helfrich said he is requiring defendants to show up with their lawyer or bail bondsman monthly.

And those who fail to make the trip to the Forrest County Courthouse face jail time as a result.

[Doctor Notes]

Making up new laws as he goes....

[VRWCmember]

If I'm not mistaken, the law requires the defendant to show up for court when the defendant is released on bail. I would imagine the law provides for the judge to have some discretion in how he enforces this requirement. Characterizing this as "making up new laws as he goes" is rather inaccurate.

[Doctor Notes]

You're right -- he's not making up new laws... just regulations. Requiring bondsmen to become notaries, show up for court monthly with clients (no exceptions) etc... seems like he's putting more responsibility on an already backlogged court while doling out additional responsibilities to the bondsmen and defendants as well.

The onus of the responsibility should be on the court. If a defendant no-shows for a court date, have them arrested. If you can't set a court date for one defendant sooner than 6 months or a year, how is setting additional court dates for every defendant on the docket going to help.

[dixiechick2000]

Mississippi ping!

Good morning, Doctor Notes!