Lake County Times

We have been asked by many if we support voting YES on Issue 1 which is the proposed Constitutional Amendment to require courts to consider factors such as public safety when setting bail for persons arrested for crimes in our communities.

We have elected our judges to make these important decisions. We do support this amendment. While we have always believed persons who are arrested have a right to a just and fair bond to stay out of jail, we find the current philosophy of releasing serious and dangerous offenders back into the community is creating serious security issues in communities. Our judges need the flexibility of looking at each offender individually, looking at their offense and previous record, before setting bond. If they believe and can articulate a danger to citizens in the community they should have the authority to set bail accordingly, not by some preset bail amount that is for everyone, regardless of offense.

As Sheriff I am concerned at the lawlessness growing in our cities that is now moving into the suburbs. The 'catch and release" philosophy when dealing with dangerous offenders is resulting in more serious crimes by offenders who neither fear arrest or prosecution. The message from our police, prosecutors, and courts to serious criminals must be NOT HERE in our community, and if you commit serious crimes such as murder, assault, rape and other dangerous offenses you will be held accountable.

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

Note:

In the case of DuBose v. McGuffey, the majority on the Ohio Supreme Court (there were dissenting Judges on this decision) found that “public safety is not a consideration with respect to financial conditions of bail”.

This Constitutional amendment would make sure that this decision by the Supreme Court does not stand