Judge denies request to block bail bond fees

A Montgomery County judge has denied a request to temporarily block a new state law that adds fees to bail bonds.

A group of individuals and bail bond companies are plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law, which assesses a $35 fee for every bond issued.

Circuit Court Judge Tracy McCooey’s ruling denied the request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. She has yet to rule on other motions in the case.

The law also assesses docket fees and a “back-end” bail bond fee that is not assessed if the defendant is found not guilty.

The fees are meant to fund the state’s cash-strapped court system.

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