Opinion ID: 1140588
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: did the trial court err in denying benson bail?

Text: It is true that [b]ail is a fundamental, constitutionally protected right. Resolute Insurance Co. v. State, 233 So.2d 788, 789 (Miss. 1970). Yet not every person accused of a crime should be released on ... bail. That decision still rests in the sound discretion of the judicial officer. Lee v. Lawson, 375 So.2d 1019, 1024 (Miss. 1979). However fundamental this right to bail is, the fixing of bail, whether it be in an amount certain or by recognizance, is left to the sound discretion of the trial judge. His judgment in that regard will not be disturbed unless there is a showing of manifest error or abuse of discretion. Wells v. State, 288 So.2d 860 (Miss. 1974). Lee v. Lawson, 375 So.2d 1019, 1021 (Miss. 1979). The trial court's denial of bail is not a ground for reversal of the judgment rendered against the defendant. The writ of habeas corpus was an available procedure, but was not pursued by the defendant. Also, the judge's final order recited that the defendant was a violent person. There being no showing of manifest error or abuse of discretion in the record, this Court cannot find that the trial court erred in denying Benson bail. This assignment of error, therefore, is without merit.