Viewers Voice: Minor offenders staying in jail longer while taxpayers pay for it

By Miriam Zamorano

CREATED Jan. 30, 2013

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  • Viewers react to an order that some minor offenders are not allowed to post bond leading to the possibility of tax payers paying for their crimes. Video by fox4now.com

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LEE COUNTY, Fla. - We're hearing from many viewers on a story Fox Four first broke about people not being allowed to post bond for minor offenses while the taxpayer may end up footing the bill. 

Lee county courts are now denying bond to some offenders until their first court appearance after Chief Judge Jay Rosman signed an administrative order mack in March. 

"They're basically detaining people for court even though the people would normally be able to bond out and get out," said attorney, Janese Caruthers. 
 
Caruthers said other people are being told they can get out of jail without posting bond if they agree to go to a pre-trial services program. 
 
Those who sign up for the program are often required to meet with an officer every week and take frequent drug tests and evaluations. 
 
 "Now you have more pre-trial services officers that are necessary to supervise all these people," said Caruthers. 
 
Which is why she says tax payers end up footing the bill. 
 
Many viewers are sounding off about this on our Facebook page. 
 
Gonzalez posted, "If it means keeping the streets safer then good."
 
Jessica thought it's a great idea and wrote, "Most get bailed out in a few hours, don't learn anything  then find themselves right back there.. even more tax dollars wasted."
 
Shirley thought differently and wrote "I think all non- violent arrests should be able to bond out."
 
While Cheryl said, "Each case would have to be considered and any previous history taken in account as well as age and crime. Tough call."
 
Court officials told us not every person is ordered to take drug tests or have evaluations so tax dollars are not always used.