The ratio of yearly arrests to the total citizens in Rockingham County is 6.75% higher than the national average. Recent arrests that dealt with violent and sexual crimes against students have led the area to become more community-focused.
Recent Changes in Bail Laws:
North Carolina recently passed the Pretrial Integrity Act, which impacts how bail is set for certain violent offenses. This law shifts the responsibility of setting bail for specific crimes from magistrates to judges, aiming to create stricter conditions for defendants accused of serious crimes like first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual offenses.
This law was created in response to concerns from law enforcement and the community about the release of suspects charged with serious crimes on low bail amounts, which many felt did not adequately protect public safety.
The law specifically focuses on severe charges, such as:
- First-degree and second-degree murder
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- First-degree forcible sexual offense
- Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury
One of the most critical aspects of this law is that it transfers the authority to set bail for specific violent offenses from magistrates to judges. This change means that magistrates no longer have the power to set bail in these cases, which are instead left to the discretion of judges who can take a broader range of factors into account when making their decision.
While the police chief of Charlotte-Mecklenberg praised this decision, there have been some criticism of the law. Opponents, including Representative Marcia Morey, argue that it could infringe on individuals’ constitutional rights and add to overcrowding in jails by making it harder for some defendants to secure bail.
Critics are concerned that this stricter bail system might disproportionately impact individuals who cannot afford bail, regardless of their risk level (WCNC).
Bail Costs in Rockingham County
In Rockingham County, the cost of bail bonds adheres to North Carolina state regulations, with a maximum bail bond fee of 15% of the total bail amount.
At Around The Clock Bail Bonds, we generally charge 10-15% of the total bail amount as a non-refundable fee.
If you’re looking for a reliable bail bonds solution to keep on hand for yourself, or you’re looking to help a family member, contact us at our regional offices below.