Lawyers see bail policy as ‘burden’
But judges call $35,000 fair for those in trouble with immigration
ALLAN TURNER

Racist Texan Immigration Lawyers Want Low/No Bail for Hispanic ILLEGALS

A policy that recommends a high bail bond for felony suspects with immigration problems has sparked a debate between judges, who say it reduces the likelihood suspected offenders will flee, and defense lawyers, who say it unfairly targets Hispanics.

The policy, adopted by criminal state district judges in December 2006, came under attack in a letter from the 365-member Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association that was co-signed by lawyers from the local Mexican Consulate and civil rights groups.

The judges’ guidelines recommend a bond of $35,000 for those who previously have been deported or are undocumented. The suggested bond amount is second only to that for non-capital murder — $50,000 — among offenses for which bail is permitted.

“Although it may appear facially neutral, the policy cannot help but burden those individuals who have Hispanic surnames,â€