A Good Teacher

During our last visit, I gave you a short overview of Domestic Violence in Santa Clara County as I see it. Let's go back a bit.

As far as I am concerned, persons charged with DV are not criminals. That is not to say that they should not be taken into custody. I strongly believe that removal of one party is essential for the safety of the offended person. Realizing that at any moment any one of us could find ourselves in one of these difficult situations it is best to be adult enough to moderate our response to elevated emotions. Walking away from an potential incendiary situation is something each of us needs to learn early in our lives. That one step back from a difficult encounter may be one of the best steps we ever learn to take. 

Here is why I believe that a short stint in custody is a good teacher.  Bail for DV charges in Santa Clara County begins at $25,000.00, and goes up from there. Furthermore, before a person can be admitted to bail, that person's case must be reviewed by a Magistrate (a Judge) who is not on staff all the time. Sometimes, the Mag may not get to a case for a day or two creating a great deal of frustration for the inmate and the bondsperson.

There are two things that do not escape ones memory rapidly. The first is being in custody. As I have indicated repeatedly, most DV inmates are not criminals so when a regular citizen just like you and I end up being confined with the general population that inhabits most jails, it becomes intimately obvious that this is not a place you want to visit again soon---or ever. And, secondly, when you have to write that check for the bail premium, that hurts. Bottom line, with the exception of habitual offenders, I have seen very few DV persons a second time.

I don't want to take any more of your time now so let's let these thoughts settle, and next time I will name some of the types of people I have met related with Domestic Violence issues and how I personally deal with these cases.

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