The Professional Bondsmen of Texas- Blog

On this episode of The Bail Post we discuss the 2025 Texas Legislative Session to highlight the major bail bills and proposed constitutional amendments that were considered.  We highlight important changes to 17.19 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.  Also, we highlight, SJR 5, SB 9 and SB 40 that were passed this session.  Our guest are the PBT Legislative Committee Chair Cory Lee and former PBT Legislative Committee Chair Scott Walstad. Relevant Bills- SB 9 by Sen. Huffman-        CLICK HERE SB 40 by Sen. Huffman-      CLICK HERE SJR 5 by Sen. Huffman-    CLICK HERE HB 2697 by Rep. Anchia- CLICK HERE Audio Podcast- Also available on- Apple Podcasts-            CLICK HERE Spotify-                        CLICK HERE Google Podcasts-        CLICK HERE Podcast Index-    ...

  Introduction: Accessing Progressive Criminal Justice Policies- Gun Buybacks:  Politicians in big cities believe that gun-buyback programs will reduce the violent crime that is spiking in America’s urban centers. But comprehensive research shows no evidence that such programs work. Philadelphia just completed a three-year gun-buyback program that yielded over 1,000 firearms. Not a single recovered firearm was linked to violent crime and, during the course of the program, Philadelphia set new all-time records for homicides.  “Violence Interrupters”:  Violence interrupters are former gang members and convicts who mediate disputes on the streets.  Cities led by “reform” prosecutors, such as Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia have staked a lot on this idea. The results have not been encouraging. Multiple violence interrupters have been murdered in Baltimore. In Indianapolis, the former convict in charge of training violence interrupters was arrested for thre...

On this Episode of The Bail Post we get a report of the Texas Legislative Session looking at Criminal Justice Issues including SB 1318, SJR 44, HB 227 and others.  We also touch on whether bail will be part of any upcoming Special Sessions and the elephant in the room regarding the Impeachment trial planned for September. Our guest is the PBT Legislative Committee Chair- Scott Walstad. Video version of Podcast- To view on Youtube-  CLICK HERE . Audio only- Also available on: Apple Podcasts-            CLICK HERE Spotify-                        CLICK HERE Google Podcasts-        CLICK HERE Podcast Index-            CLICK HERE Amazon Music-          CLICK HERE Stitcher-                    ...

On May 1, 2023, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1627.  The bill was described as Florida's response to disastrous “bad bail reforms” being pushed by liberal politicians and prosecutors in high-crime jurisdictions throughout the country. In this episode of the Bail Post we discuss HB 1627 and other bail bills passed in the most recent Florida Legislative Session.  Several highlights of the legislations is that the bill: Requires the Florida Supreme Court to develop a uniform statewide bond schedule by the end of the year; and Prohibits the chief judge of a judicial circuit from setting a lower bond amount for a criminal offense than the uniform statewide bond schedule.  “In Florida, we stand for the rule of law, we back our blue, and we treat offenders as they should be treated — not as victims, but as criminals who deserve to be behind bars,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.“ That’s one of the reasons why we are the fastest growing state in the nation. I am g...

On August 25, 2022 there will be a National Bail Reform Panel Discussion at the campus of Texas Southern University.  The event will start at 1 p.m.  Members of the panel include: Kim Ogg District Attorney for Harris County, Texas. Michelle Esquenazi noted bail bond queen from New York. Ken W. Good, attorney specializing in Bail Law and the host of The Bail Post podcast.  He is also a member of the board of directors of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas. The host for the event will be Ben Crump who is a renowned civil rights attorney.  The event is free to the public.  Come and be a part of the discussion.

  Published December 3, 2021 by Lawyer Monthly by Ken W. Good Introduction In the old west, a Texas rancher would brand all of his cattle so that they could be identified if a question of ownership arose. Over the past couple of decades, the Texas judicial system has seen the rise of a different kind of branding: the overloading of defendants with conditions under which they must comply – some at great expense – after they are released on bond. In effect, these individuals are stigmatised before they have even been found guilty of a crime. Four years ago, the commonly-heard mantra was that criminal justice reform was needed because the existing system was unconstitutional.  After various courts determined this to be a false claim, the refrain changed to one of fairness.  Now, as crime continues to rise across the United States, law enforcement is pointing to these bad bail reform practices that have effectively tied the hands of judges and allowed crime to increase withou...

  Summary of New PR Bond Rules Effective December 2, 2021 I. Only the trial court judge over the criminal case may grant a PR bond when the Defendant is charged with the following offenses under the Penal Code: A.. is charged with an offense under section 30.02 (Burglary); or B. is charged with an offense under section 71.02 (Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity). II. A Defendant is not eligible for a PR bond if they are charged with the following violent offenses under the Penal Code: A. is charged with an offense under section 19.02 (murder); B. is charged with an offense under section 19.03 (capital murder);  C. is charged with an offense under section 20.03 (kidnapping); D. is charged with an offense under section 20.04 (aggravated kidnapping); E. is charged with an offense under section 20A.02 (trafficking of persons); F. is charged with an offense under section 20A.03 (continuous trafficking of   persons); G. is charged with an offe...

  The Third Special Session of the Texas Legislature has ended.  This special session focused on redistricting.  The Governor also added the proposed constitutional amendment to expand preventative detention back to the agenda after it was defeated in the Second Special Session. The resolution passed the Senate, but once again failed in the House.  For the second time, House Democrats chose career criminals over public safety. Another special session is not expected, although Gov. Greg Abbott didn’t get his way on all of his agenda items, including a ban on vaccine mandates. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wished senators “Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.” House Speaker Dade Phelan noted the tiredness of members and how they look foward to returnining home. To see more CLICK HERE .

  Senate Bill 6 has three different dates regarding when different sections go into effect.  These dates are December 2, 2021, January 1, 2022 and April 1, 2021 (unless completed sooner).  What goes into effect at each date is set out in more detail below. A.    Generally the bill applies (unless stated otherwise) only to a person who is arrested on or after the effective date of this act (January 1, 2022).  A person arrested before the effective date is governed by the former law which is continued in effect for that purpose.  With the exceptions regarding the new limits on the use of PR bonds that go into effect on December 2, 2021. B.    The following articles and sections go into effect on the 91st day (December 2, 2021) after the last day of the legislative session.     1.    Limitation on use of PR bonds.  New list of crimes not eligible for PR bond.      2.    Section 19 of SB...