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