Is Lady Justice "Blind" or "Liberal" In Fort Bend County?



Judges who magistrate cases in Fort Bend County jail have set a record of a sort by handing out “Personal Recognizance” bonds liberally to anyone who came before them, no matter what the alleged crime may be.

Between Feb. 1 and April 28, 2020, at least in 270 cases, people charged with a variety of crimes, including some repeat offenders and some facing felony charges have been released on PR bonds.

PR bond means the release of an individual arrested on “own recognizance” with no financial condition like a cash bond or surety from a bond company, which ensures that the person appears again in court to face the charges.

Law enforcement officers, prosecutors and citizens are generally opposed to PR bonds because it endangers public safety and increases the possibility of repeat offense.
Those released on PR bonds in Fort Bend County faced charges such as possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance, theft, burglary, DWI, assault, domestic violence, and failed to appear.

Several DWI and drug offenders had previous convictions and those who jumped bail before also got a free pass this time. There were a couple of prostitution cases as well.

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