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
