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IS THE LEGAL SYSTEM REALLY PROTECTING US?

I scan the Police Blotter each week to be aware of the areas in which the most crime seems to be occurring.

As I was scanning the entries last week, one caught my eye immediately because of the very high bail that was set: $250,000.  I thought, "kidnapping? rape? home invasion? assault with a deadly weapon? attempted murder?" No.  The charges were two counts of prescription forgery, two counts of fraudulently obtaining property and resisting arrest.

Just the week before someone who was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, first-degree burglary, felony larceny, speeding to elude police and reckless driving was held in lieu of $20,000 bail.

Quite frankly, this scares me.  With the assistance of a bondsman, this person could be out of jail for $2,000 to $3,000, while the person who attempted to obtain some drug illegally would have to have someone post between $25,000 and $30,000.  Who would you rather have loose on the streets in our neighborhoods? Do we have to wait until someone is actually murdered before bail is set appropriately? I believe that a serious review of the bail-setting process and probation process needs to be undertaken if we are to feel safe in Chapel Hill.

Candee Duensing,

Chapel Hill