Attorneys Representing Arrested Rioters Say Bail Too High
BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) -- Attorneys are challenging the arrest of over 230 people during this week's violence and looting.
Governor Larry Hogan has temporarily suspended a rule, requiring suspects be presented to a judicial office promptly.
Many people, attorneys argue, have been held for more than 24 hours without being notified of any charges against them.
Attorneys are challenging the governor's authority to suspend this rule.
They are also frustrated that suspects are being assigned bail they believe is exorbitant.
Many of those charged can't pay it, and may spend months in jail awaiting trial.
In several cases Wednesday, Assistant Senior State's Attorney David Chu asked that bail be revoked.
Among the first cases was 28-year-old Gerard Anderson, who faced charges of malicious destruction and felony burglary.
Linda Ramirez, an attorney working pro bono, argued Anderson was going to a grocery store to get food, not to loot. Ramirez said her client wasn't identified as a person who damaged the store's windows. She wanted his bail set at $25,000.
The judge wasn't swayed and set bail at $100,000, with the first $500 in cash.
Asked if he had anything to say, Anderson replied, "I'm good."