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Today's Poll: Do you support eliminating cash bail for people arrested on misdemeanor and non-violent felonies?

By Howard B. Owens
Thomas Callan

Typical NY liberals trying to turn a fast buck, and bolster their political punch. The same way that blinkie, upchuck, and aoc are pushing at the Federal level. Bolster the left, and they will vote for them down the road. Why do you think the dems are giving Carte Blanch to MS 13 and their ilk? Jail is supposed to be a deterrent to crime, let alone morality. And so is bail.

Apr 1, 2019, 11:04am Permalink
Christopher Plath

Last I knew you were innocent until proven guilty so having to sit in jail for something you may not have done because you can't afford $500 bail doesn't sit well with me. I'm surprised we call this a liberal plan, why would conservatives want the government to be able to jail you for misdemeanors. Plus to add to that, the cost associated with jailing them.

Apr 1, 2019, 1:10pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

How does this "turn a fast buck"? If anything it saves taxpayers money by putting fewer people in high-cost custody.

Bail is not supposed to be a deterrent to crime. Not at all. Its purpose is to ensure reappearance at future court dates.

I dislike partisan hackery. It's a major problem in this country. So, what's your evidence for this broad-brush statement, "Why do you think the dems are giving Carte Blanch to MS 13 and their ilk?"?

Apr 1, 2019, 1:13pm Permalink
Thomas Callan

By voting against funds for the wall. You are correct technically, (re: bail) but someone has to come up with a financial guarantee ($$) that the defendant will show up for court. If a low level defendant is released under this new idea, they may remember who pushed that free ride through? So Gov. Fidel says "I washa you hand, you vote, I mean washa mine" Same Old Thing with the Southern Border. How do you think MS13 gets in? Enough with your Rose Colored Glasses

Apr 1, 2019, 3:49pm Permalink
Thomas Callan

Chris, a couple good points for sure. No system is perfect. That is why most people rely on logic and common sense. Your demeanor, and attitude towards the police and court also have merit on the amount of bail. If all the Bad Guys learned the first time through the revolving door, then maybe the crime rate, and people incarcerated would reflect that? If every young person did a week end in the slam, our recidivism rate would drop markedly.

Apr 1, 2019, 4:02pm Permalink
Daniel Norstrand

Blame game. I'm better than you... Get over it Thomas Callan. One's demeanor & attitude should be taken into account? I think if you were wrongly accused your demeanor and attitude might be other than good etiquette and quiet acquiescence. If they have a record of not showing up for court, or another sound reason to think they won't show up, make them post. Otherwise turn them loose

Apr 2, 2019, 6:43am Permalink
Thomas Callan

That's Fine With Me! In this day and age, with all the checks & balances to fall back on, go ahead mouth off, resist, cuss out the cop. 99% of people who keep their cool, stay out of the slam. But everyone knows you stand alone, with the 1%. Next time you get pulled over, try that song & dance and let us know how you made out. I`m not taking your bait.

Apr 2, 2019, 11:06am Permalink
Thomas Callan

Good point. Doug Call made National News 40 years ago with DWI checkpoints. The Judge in Stafford gave a NYS assemblyman 15 days for speeding & alcohol related offences. That was when MADD was taking root. DWI used to be $100 fine, no license for 60 days. Now it`s 15 K for a dwi. Now, a guy is doing some work for a homeowner in Geneseo, gets mad, and beats him, breaking bones and causing a stroke. The DA wants $10 K bail, the judge gives him an OR? Go figure.

Apr 2, 2019, 8:12pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

I remember when Call was running for sheriff, He visited bars and told the patrons what he was planning, he still got elected. Probably saved countless lives in the process. As usual Thomas, it depends on who you are, particularly in this neck of the woods.

Apr 2, 2019, 9:23pm Permalink

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