The Forfeiture Review Committee Chair Investigates the Case of State of Colorado versus Hidai Friedman, and the Unpaid Bail Bond Forfeiture in That Case

DENVER, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Americans for the Preservation of Bail Forfeiture Review Committee has investigated case number 07CR2994, State of Colorado Versus Hidai Friedman. In this case the defendant failed to appear, and the $500,000 forfeiture has not been paid by the bail agent or the insurance company. The Forfeiture Review Committee Chair, Brian Shipwash, led the investigation and has obtained a commitment from the insurance company to pay the forfeiture upon receipt of another court order. To see the Chair Brian Shipwash's press conference, visit http://www.tinyurl.com/forfeiture1.

Colorado statutes require that courts order the Department of Insurance to suspend the ability of bail agents and insurance companies to post bail bonds if they fail to pay forfeitures when the judgments are due. In the above referenced case, the bail agents' ability to post bail bonds was suspended, but the insurance company's was not. The defendant in this case failed to appear years ago; however the bail forfeiture has yet to be paid.

Bail in Colorado works to ensure defendants appear for their trials, but only when statutes are followed. The bail industry is determined to ensure that bail agents and companies in Colorado follow the law. The Forfeiture Review Committee Chair thanks ADA Carolyn O'Hara, the DA Investigators in Jefferson County, and Senior Legal Counsel to International Fidelity Jerry Watson. The District Attorney's Office has agreed to move for another order in the case, and the insurance company has confirmed that they have the money and will pay the forfeiture. The hopeful result is that Jefferson County, CO will receive the $500,000 it is owed.

The Americans for the Preservation of Bail Forfeiture Review Committee has been established to ensure that bail bond forfeitures are paid in a timely manner. Commercial bail is the most effective means to return defendants to trial, but only when applicable laws are followed. The bail industry is determined to regulate itself and require all parties to follow applicable rules and laws, and the Americans for the Preservation of Bail Forfeiture Review Committee has been established for that purpose.

CONTACT:  Brian Shipwash, Americans for the Preservation of Bail, Forfeiture Review Committee Chair at (855) 728-3224

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SOURCE Americans for the Preservation of Bail