Mugshot of Te Quoi I. Lans. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
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 instead of paying in full.
A ruling like the following is quite typical to hear at an advisement hearing for a first-time offender who is a young adult.
At Monday’s advisement hearing, Te Quoi I. Lans from St. Thomas was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, and alteration of identifying marks on a weapon. Lans had no prior convictions. His release conditions by Judge Henry Carr III are as follows:
- Reduced bail of $10,000 (with the provision to sign an unsecured bond)
- Partial curfew and house arrest without the use of electronic monitoring
- Reside with a third-party custodian
- Surrender all travel documents
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