Protecting our community from dangerous criminals

By State Sen. Blake Doriot (R-Goshen)

This year, when voters head to the polls, they will find Public Question 1 on their ballot. This question asks Hoosiers to approve an amendment to the Indiana Constitution that would keep repeat, dangerous criminals behind bars by allowing judges to deny them bail.

Currently, the Indiana Constitution requires all criminal suspects to be offered bail unless they are charged with murder or treason. With this amendment, the constitution would make it clear that judges can withhold bail to dangerous suspects who pose a threat to the community.

There have been many times where dangerous criminals commit a crime, are released on bail and commit another crime, creating a revolving door of crime.

Judges' hands are tied when it comes to keeping dangerous suspects behind bars. This amendment would give judges another tool to keep Hoosiers safe from dangerous criminals returning to the streets.

Hoosiers shouldn't have to fear going out in public because a dangerous criminal was released on bail. That's why I supported the legislation to put this amendment on the ballot that fights for Hoosiers' safety and gives the Indiana criminal justice system the ability to deny bail when necessary.

This amendment wouldn't allow judges to lock up any person that commits a crime. Rather, it's written to allow judges to deny bail when the suspect "poses a substantial risk to any other person or the community" and "the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community."

I'm fed up with high crime rates and the current system allowing criminals a 'get out of jail free card' to commit more crimes while they wait for their trial, and I'm sure many of you feel the same. Giving judges the ability to protect the public from repeat criminals puts more tools in their toolbox to keep our communities safe.

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State Sen. Blake Doriot (R-Goshen) represents Senate District 12,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

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