Crime

Judge-Ordered Release Conditions for Young First-Time Offenders Appear to be Opportunity at Second Chance

At weekly advisement hearings in the territory, several young people encounter their first contact with the criminal justice system and are given what seems to be a second chance with less stringent release conditions than that of someone who has an extensive criminal history.  There are two typical considerations at each hearing that play a factor in the judge’s release condition ruling: is the suspect a danger to the community? Are they a flight risk? To make determinations on both, both the prosecution and the defense make a case for or against each. The facts of the case, nature of the alleged crime committed, and criminal history are considered in support of each position and play a role in the judge’s ruling.   While a repeat offender may get house arrest with 24-hour electronic monitoring, a first-time offender may get a curfew and/ unmonitored house arrest. Bail may be reduced from that of which the statutes demand, and the judge may allow for an unsecured bond posting instea...