A troubling trend has emerged with the increased influence of bondsmen on our legislature.
The modified N.C.G.S. 15A-535 is a dangerous new authority. If a person is on pre-trial release and receives new charges, a secured bond at least double the amount of the most recent previous secured or unsecured bond is required. If there was no bond required for previous charges, then the bond is to be set at $1000 or higher.
So, for example, if a person is out on pre-trial release on a $500,000 bond for, say, a violent crime, and they are charged with careless and reckless driving, a misdemeanor, although in reality, merely a traffic offense, the bond for the careless and reckless driving charge would be set at $1,000,000.
Scary? Yes. More so because the above example is a true story.
We can help. Contact Garrett, Walker and Aycoth for bond motions, bond reductions, and to find an attorney who will fight for your freedom, whether charged with a criminal or a traffic offense. We are here to help!