Public frustration regarding how bond is set in Manitowoc County came to a head in court yesterday.
During a bail hearing for a domestic violence and criminal damage to property case, Manitowoc County Court Commissioner Patricia Koppa allowed the property manager for the affected residence to speak as a victim.
While addressing the court, the victim expressed concern that the cash bail would not be high enough.
The suspect in the case has numerous previous cases, including open drug and theft cases.
The victim said bluntly, “He’s got a criminal mentality. By putting him back on the street, is just sitting there saying, ‘Go ahead and do something else.’ Because he knows he can get away with it.”
Commissioner Koppa responded, noting, “Bond has to be based upon what a person is able to do, among other things.”
She also addressed the public’s feelings on how she sets bond, saying, “I know my philosophy on bond is not what the general public thinks it should be, but it is in alignment with what the judges think it should be, because I often discuss this.”
We have reached out to Commissioner Koppa to talk more about her bond philosophy, but have not heard back.
