Judges push back against trooper bill

Jan 23, 2011 - 18:02
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Judges push back against trooper bill

ATLANTA -- Georgia judges are pushing back against legislation named for a state trooper killed last month that would ban them from releasing defendants accused of violent crimes on their own recognizance.

The Council of Superior Court Judges contends the legislation would take away too much of the judges' discretion.

Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Billy Ray, who heads the council's legislative committee said "nobody liked what happened in the case of the trooper who was killed. But I don't think the bill really honors the trooper."

House Bill 32 would prohibit judges from issuing recognizance bonds for people charged with violent felonies, requiring them to pay bail to be released.

It was named after Georgia State Patrol Trooper Chadwick LeCroy, who was fatally shot in the neck during a Dec. 27 traffic stop.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.