Courthouse Christmas
It’s that time again when we all celebrate with our families this wonderful holiday season. But what most people don’t realize is there is another tradition that is celebrated this time of year in our judicial system. It’s the increased release of offenders so that they can also “enjoy” the holidays with their family.
This is the third year our organization has sat in court to observe those offenders that have negatively impacted our neighborhoods and it is at this time of year that we see the sympathy factor come in to play when setting bonds. We have witnessed firsthand all of the Hallmark moments demonstrated by the offenders family and their attorney’s with the hopes that the offenders can be home for the holidays. The impact of the crime seems to have less teeth because after all observing the holidays with family is a right and not a privilege, isn’t it? You would sure think so as you are sitting in the courthouse this time of year.
So this year I wanted to vocalize a couple of my Christmas wishes. One wish is for the law to be applied and community safety be considered when setting bonds this holiday season. Another wish is that victims be notified about court dates so they too can appear at these hearings to remind the judicial officials of the personal impact of a crime.
Some people will not be able to enjoy the festivities of the holidays this year but it’s not because of lack of money or lack of preparation it’s because they were victimized by a repeat offender. Instead of an offender remaining in jail, the sympathy factor was applied and not the law when releasing these criminals.
This factual information is our gift to you as fellow citizens. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and hope you get involved to make your community a safer place to live.
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