Image: Rep. John Gillespie (left) speaks with Senator Brent Taylor (right) Image Credit: Rep. John Gillespie / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Representative John Gillespie (R-Memphis-District 97) has filed proposed legislation for the upcoming session that would make big changes to the state’s bail system if made law.
Both bills aim to increase public safety by keeping those charged with violent crimes involving firearms behind bars.
House Bill 0033 (HB0033) would make it the default in Tennessee to not release defendants on their own recognizance if charged with an offense involving the use or display of a firearm or if the offense resulted in “serious bodily injury or death of the victim.”
Magistrates or other officials authorized to grant bail would have to include in a bail order “written findings” for each applicable factor before defendants could be released.
House Bill 0034 (HB0034) would make a departure from current state law by allowing courts to take into account a defendant’s juvenile criminal records when setting bonds, something that Tennessee code currently prohibits. In determining the defendant’s risk of danger to the community, magistrates would be required to look into prior juvenile records.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has stated his support for this change in recent months.
Earlier this year, a man accused of shooting four people outside of a Midtown Memphis restaurant and nightclub was released from jail without bond.
Detawn Gunn was subsequently charged with five counts of attempted second-degree murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and two counts of vandalism of property. Gunn allegedly shot at two men after getting into an argument over a parking space. Two other victims who were bystanders were also hit.
Despite DA Mulroy asking for $500,000 bond for Gunn, he was released on his own recognizance.
Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis-District 31) has been calling for the suspension of Judge Bill Anderson from the bench in Shelby County over his continued actions in releasing dangerous criminals back into the community with little to zero bond.
Taylor sponsored legislation requiring judges to consider the safety of the community when setting the amount for bail but “softer than Jello” Judge Bill Anderson has not applied the new law to defendants who appear before him in his courtroom.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
