We feel this is an important issue and must be given a closer look. We understand that there are various and complicated laws that govern the requirements for these offenders to make parole or bond. Too often these offenders are released from jail or prison only to commit another violent crime. The recent murder of Tonya Carroll in Limestone County, Alabama is only the catalyst for this movement to press for change. Her killer was released from a ten year sentence after serving only three years of his sentence. Not only was he released, he was released with no parole or probation of any kind. When he killed Ms. Carroll he was arrested and granted bond within seven days to await trial. His criminal record clearly shows he is a habitual violent offender and that he consistently commits violent crimes when he is released and the crimes escalate with every release.  The judge who set his bond was not aware that he had the means to make the bond. If he had been released from his prison sentence under some kind of parole because he is a proven habitual violent offender, bond would never have been an issue. He would have went back to prison and these families would not have to live in fear everyday.  We submit this petition to ask lawmakers to take a closer look at the way the system decides and grants parole and bond. We would like precautions taken that are within the confines of the law that would better research these offenders, not only their criminal background but also their financial background. Every citizen has certain rights and we believe it should be the victim's and the victim's family right to speak at all bond hearings. That they be given the chance to plead their case to the judge in order to protect themselves. These repeat offenders are too often released and commit the same or worse crime that they were incarcerated for. Many lives can be saved if we just take a closer look at who we release back into society. Many families and victim's can heal and move on with their lives if they do not have to live in fear that these offender's will hurt them again while awaiting trial.

We believe as law abiding, innocent citizens that we should have the right to ask the court to hold proven habitual violent offenders in jail so that these citizens can maintain some semblance of a normal life. Especially offenders who are facing serious charges that may carry life sentences. These people are violent to begin with and if they get desperate and believe they have nothing else to lose many lives can be affected and some even lost. We seek to try and prevent these crimes as well as punishing them. Once a life is taken or changed forever it is too late. Prevention is the key here. Please help us protect the future possible victim's and give the current victim's and their families some peace of mind.