Harris County Bail Bond Board passes 10% minimum bail requirement

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The Harris County Bail Bond board approved a new rule, which requires bondsmen to accept at least 10% of a person's bond before that person is released from jail.

This comes weeks after the board struck down the same proposal due to members questioning whether they had the legal authority to pass it.

On Wednesday, the family of Diamond Alvarez, the teen who died after her boyfriend allegedly shot her 22 times, said this is a step in the right direction. The Alvarez family had been demanding justice for the murdered teen, even more so after learning that her accused killer, Frank DeLeon Jr., was allowed to post a $250,000 bond and walk out of jail on Jan.19.

"We're very happy that this motion passed (Wednesday). It's been hectic since January, all the way to (Wednesday). Diamond (Alvarez), mama, we're going to get there. Justice for DJ, Justice for Ashanti, Justice for Arlene Alvarez, Justice for everybody in Houston," Diamond's aunt, Bianca Mejia said.

The bail bond the board voted on is only for the most violent or worse offenses such as murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, trafficking, attempted murder, aggravated burglary, continuous abuse of a family member, and more.

The goal is to make sure repeat offenders will not have the opportunity to bond out.

FIEL Houston, who represents a lot of victims' families, said they are willing to go the distance with this and will fight any lawsuit or opposition.

SEE ALSO:

Harris County Commissioner unveils new online bail dashboard for public view

Harris County Commissioners push for violent offenders to post a minimum 10% of bond

How do Harris County judges set bond? We asked a legal expert to explain

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