Public defenders seek release of inmates held on low bonds

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Three attorneys from the a public offender’s office are seeking the release of 14 inmates who they say were detained unlawfully and are being held on low bonds in Louisville’s overcrowded jail.

The Courier-Journal reports (http://cjky.it/2dkxYKv) petitions filed Tuesday say Jefferson County District Court judges are violating defendants’ rights by not considering their ability to post bond when setting bail.

The petitions say most have cash bonds of less than $5,000 that they can’t pay.

The attorneys argue the judges aren’t issuing enough bail credits to eligible defendants for time served behind bars under a state law meant to help free up jail space.

The filings come as Metro Corrections Director Mark Bolton says the jail nears 2,200 inmates.

County attorney’s office spokesman Josh Abner says they’re reviewing the petitions.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.