The Associated Press reported Feb. 28 that the Tennessee constitution guarantees the right to bond, usually within 48 hours of arrest. But Hamilton County police officer Tom Farmer said that the law allows meth dealers and users to return to their labs and addictions.

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has proposed legislation to crack down on methamphetamines, but the measure does not address bail bonds. That would require amending the state constitution.

"The bonding issue is the single most difficult issue in all of this," said Will Pinkston, a spokesman for Bredesen, who noted that the governor's meth task force had public meetings and "heard over and over again ... something ought to be done to address the bonding situation. Everybody clearly recognizes the bonding problem."

Judges could set higher bonds in meth cases, suggested Pinkston. But McMinn County General Sessions Court Judge James F. Watson said that's not a serious option. And Hamilton County public defender Ardena Garth said, "Bail isn't supposed to be to punish. They have got a right to bail and a right to be presented before a judge."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.