Chairman House Judiciary Committee Representative Gross Lindsey

7/12/01 

Dear Chairman Lindsey, 

Here are some recent headlines in Jefferson County: 
A woman in Jefferson County recently killed her 2-year old son by stabbing him multiple times. Her bail bond is set so low that it is almost certain she will be back on the streets in a matter of days.  

A judge has decided that the DUI law we spent many hours on in the 2000 Judiciary committee, does not have enough teeth to force a breathe analyzer test. Defense lawyers are rushing to dismiss all first time DUI cases. 

A young girl under the strong influence of alcohol kills an innocent couple in a car accident and is then paroled after a few weeks in jail.  

These facts are killing the public’s faith in Kentucky’s judicial system. Many decisions coming from the bench seem to be void of any common sense and this is giving the entire system legitimacy problems. We must address these issues as soon as possible.  

I respectfully request that the Judiciary Committee begin hearings on the spectrum of discretion given to the Judicial Branch in the Commonwealth. I would like to have the committee, under your leadership, examine avenues that the General Assembly may take to enact laws narrowing the scope judges have in issuing parole and bail release to individuals charged with serious crimes. Please take this request with compliments and let me know if you agree. 

Sincerely,  
Kevin D. Bratcher

 cc:  Attorney General Ben Chandler 

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