Bail policies

Regarding “Judges issued no-cash policy” (Page A1, Sunday), in my interview with the Chronicle concerning free bonds and the judges’ instructions to the magistrates concerning these bonds, it is true I have instructed the magistrates not to grant these bonds in our felony cases to all defendants, never specifying a certain race or gender.

I want to decide the bonds myself, as the elected judge, normally on the following day.

Over the years I have granted countless pre-trial bonds to all races based upon the gravity of the offense, the criminal background of the defendant, and the risk to the public of committing other offenses while on bond with input from the state, the defense, and the pre-trial representative.

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I also told the reporter that over the 36 years I’ve been on the bench, the defendants’ (all races) attitudes have changed. Most no longer have any respect for the rule of law. I added, in the case of young black defendants who are disproportionally represented in our system, they are not receiving good advice from their parents as did my generation, to cooperate with law enforcement at all times, and respect the laws.

They are advised by ragtag groups like Black Lives Matter to have utter contempt for our judicial system.

I think ‘ragtag’ was too nice a term to describe a group which was built on the Ferguson, Mo., lie of “Hands up. Don’t shoot.” Also encouraging everyone to “resist police,” and insulting them with remarks like “pigs in a blanket,” among others.

Our citizens would be shocked to know the percentages of defendants on bonds, pre-trial or surety, who are accused of another crime while on bond or who do not show up for their court date.

For those of you who read my quotes completely out of context and responded unfortunately in a predictable manner, you need to realize the word “racist” has lost all meaning since it is used to describe anyone with whom you don’t agree.

What I said was true whether you like it or not.

Mike McSpadden,

Judge Presiding,

209th District Court