Dog the Bounty Hunter on LKL: Mexico Hearing Begins Monday

By Jeralyn, Section Crime in the News
Posted on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 02:00:00 AM EST
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Duane Chapman, aka Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Beth, will be on Larry King Live tonight discussing the extradition proceedings lodged against him in Mexico.

The Mexican federal courts will hear all of the evidence gathered by Bollard’s team at the Constitutional Hearing beginning on Monday, December 4, 2006 in Guadalajara. The district court will have to decide whether the charges against Duane, Leland and Tim Chapman should be dismissed or whether the extradition case should proceed further.

Dog says he is "haunted" by the proceedings and he's dying inside.

28 members of Congress are behind Dog, and have written to Condoleeza Rice asking her to help spare him from extradition. It's probably the only constructive request Tom Tancredo has ever made.

From Tancredo's statement:

In 2003, Chapman received a tip regarding the whereabouts of Andrew Luster, who disappeared during his trial for rape. Chapman went to Mexico to act on this tip, and was accompanied by a local Mexican police officer -- who he agreed to pay. He was also in communication with U.S. officials, who were aware of his activities, Tancredo said.

Dog did not flee Mexico. He came back to the U.S. because that's what his lawyers told him to do. Good faith reliance upon advice of counsel would be a defense in the U.S.

Dog's Hawaii lawyer, the excellent Brook Hart, said Dog has sought to offer an apology to Mexico, pay a fine, make a donation to charity and forfeit his bond money.

Disclosure: As I've written many times, Dog and Beth are friends of mine. Dog used to make bonds for my clients. So keep your comments civil if you want them to stay up.

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Dog the Bounty Hunter on LKL: Mexico Hearing Begins Monday | 17 comments (17 topical)

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i must say jeralyn (2.33 / 3) (#1)
by cpinva on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 02:01:22 AM EST

i am somewhat surprised, and disappointed, by your position. granted, he's a friend. that doesn't negate the fact that he knowingly violated the laws of another country, however justified he may have thought he was at the time.

let's be blunt, he didn't act out of the goodness of his heart, he was in it for the money and publicity, period.

good faith reliance on counsel might be a defense in the u.s., that doesn't mean it is elsewhere. perhaps, mr. chapman should have consulted with a mexican attorney, prior to making any move. he didn't. that's his mistake.

he should be a big boy and go back and face the music, should the mexican judge feel there's sufficient evidence to move forward on the case.

were this someone you either didn't know, or didn't like, i have to wonder if your position would be the same.

so, let the legal process move along, without interference from politicians, who wouldn't give a rat's patoot if this were some ordinary shmoe.

Dog's humane credibility (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by Dadler on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 01:12:52 PM EST

I know this much about the guy: he shows the people he apprehends more sympathy and humanity than most of us would. He doesn't use guns, he bails out folks he has just captured, he's a the king of giving people a second when he thinks it will make a difference.

Off topic, I don't watch the show usually, but couldn't sleep last night and was channel surfing and caught the episode about his wedding. That one of his daughters was killed in a car accident on his wedding day, whew, it was some pretty emotional TV. And in a very genuine way.

[ Parent ]

: That should've read... (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by Dadler on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 01:13:45 PM EST

he's the king of giving people second chances...

[ Parent ]

Do you feel as strongly (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by Pancho on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 08:33:07 PM EST

about the millions of Mexicans that violate our immigration laws?

[ Parent ]

cpinva (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by AFWife on Thu Nov 30, 2006 at 02:58:46 PM EST

Would you feel the same if Luster raped you?

[ Parent ]

Our Opinions vs The Justice System (1.00 / 1) (#13)
by Mande on Wed Dec 06, 2006 at 08:35:16 PM EST

First.
My heart goes out to the Chapman family, this can't be an easy time for them. They are in my thoughts and I hope the best for them.

Second.
I keep reading all these comments about how they put a rapist behind bars, and for doing this, they should get... etc etc etc. The unfortunate fact here is that the justice system must remain at all times as unbiased as possible. Regardless of what the criminal did, this will probably not be taken in to consideration.

Third.
I do agree that before proceeding with a legal issue in another country, you should fully understand what you are doing and the laws surrounding that. It is unfortunate in the Chapmans' case that their lawyer advised them incorrectly.

Fourth.
Although Luster committed a crime, if he had not been tried yet, then he was technically innocent until tried and found guilty. I feel that it was a great deed that the Chapmans' did in apprehending him and taking a criminal off the streets, but the reason for them being there in the first place was due to the fact that Luster skipped on his bail debt. Having him appropriately extradited to the US would have been a path that could have been considered.

I would like to quote a previous comment in saying that Justice is not always timely, but the point of Justice is to ensure that EVERYONE'S rights are protected.

This does not reflect my opinion of what I hope the outcome is, but rather just trying to differentiate between what is admissible, and what is not.

Last, but not least, I do hope that everything works out for the Chapmans' in their favour. They are strong, faithful, and empathetic individuals that deserve the second chance that they always give to those who skip on bail bonds.

Good Luck Dog (none / 0) (#2)
by chris in sacto on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 03:11:12 AM EST

He worked for my parent's lawyer, Roger Jon Diamond, at the time. I wish him well and hope this comes out in his favor.

Dog', Leland & Tim's upcoming trial on Monday (none / 0) (#3)
by Chameleon777 on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 10:15:00 AM EST

First, may I say, good day to you all Second, let me say how utterly disgusted I am about the way the justice system is dealing with Duane "Dog" Chapman, Leland Chapman & Tim Chapman. Thanks to them, a serial rapist is in prison for the rest of his life and the terrible world we live in is just a little safer. Even though bounty hunting is illegal in Mexico, they did the right thing and stopped a problem in his tracks. Save Dog, Leland & Tim! They don't deserve to be thrown into the Mexican pound! Join the fight for fair Justice! If you have doubts, think about this: Would you rather that Andrew Luster, a dangerous serial rapist, still be free and terrorizing countless women? If Dog, Leland & Tim hadn't of intervened in Puerto Vallarta three years ago, Luster would still be out there, making today's already terrible world even worse to live in. ************************************** However, thanks to Dog and his crew, Andrew Luster is currently serving a 124-year jail term. A happy ending to this story would be Dog, Leland & Tim not being extradited to Mexico and put in the pound for several years, away from their families and friends. Heck, if I could catch an evil adversary like Luster, I'd do the very same thing that Dog & crew did! They, the U.S.A & Mexico, are bringing up an issue that happened 3 years ago just because Dog is more well known now. In my eyes, Dog and crew did their time, even though it was not necessary, as capturing Andrew Luster was the right thing, even if it was in Mexico. They did their time three years ago, but the U.S. will not let it go... They may not have shown up for court in Puerto Vallarta, but someone could have called Dog and told him back then instead of waiting three years and making a big deal about it today. U.S. Justice is seriously in some need of re-evaluation. If an issue was settled three years ago, it's settled. Don't bring it up three years later and make a big deal about it. Hey, thanks for reading this. If you have anything to say about this, if you want to express your opinion, take a side, whatever else; feel free to contact me through my Myspace or through my personal email:leather_camera_chameleon@hotmail.com See Y'all around don't forget the Dog! Heather L. Cameron

chameleon (none / 0) (#6)
by cpinva on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 02:05:19 PM EST

i see your point, and raise you.

first off: luster could have been extradited as well. the legal system, remember that? yes, it takes time, and it isn't as glamorous as some guy with a bad haircut breaking down doors illegally, in a country not his own. but hey, what can you do, right?

second: unless the mexican statute of limitations bars prosecution, when mr. chapman and co. committed their crime is irrelevant.

third (to dadler): mr. chapman is in no position to give anyone a "second chance", that isn't his job, nor does he have the authority to do so. that's the court's decision.

: He's also a bail bondsman (none / 0) (#7)
by Dadler on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 03:59:40 PM EST

Time and time again, when possible and when he feels the person deserves it, he will immediately bail out those he has just apprehended. Find me a bail bondsman willing to take another chance on someone who has already failed to appear in court on their bond. They are few and far between.
THAT is what I meant.

[ Parent ]
: cpinva (none / 0) (#12)
by AFWife on Thu Nov 30, 2006 at 03:08:39 PM EST

Someone with $$$ could hide out in Mexico and Luster could have paid off the law enforcement so I don't believe that they would have extradited him. Would you feel the same if you or someone in your family was raped by Luster? I think not, Dog did all of us a favor and did what most people wish they could do. There are a lot of people who talk about change but Dog is one of those people who really do something. It's sad that you are talking negative about someone who is willing to put thier life at risk to help others and who are you to judge (your nobody)!. I wish there were more people like Dog and his crew.

[ Parent ]

Fine the Dog (none / 0) (#8)
by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 07:58:11 PM EST

They should follow the law and find Dog guilty and fine him $1.00.

: I agree (none / 0) (#10)
by Pancho on Wed Nov 29, 2006 at 08:34:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]

omg what a farse (none / 0) (#14)
by bobbygirl on Wed Dec 13, 2006 at 11:55:21 AM EST

OH MY GOD WHAT A FARSE THIS IS!!! Dog rules, my whole family watch his show all the time and wish him, his family and all his team all the best for the trial and a very merry christmas. Rapists should be tarred and feathered and the Mexican government should be kissing his lilly ass for getting scum like that out of thier country. Our fave member of his possy is Leyland though my girls idolize him. YOU GO DOG, BEST OF LUCK AND ALL OUR SUPPORT!!!

devistated (none / 0) (#15)
by shannonmarie on Fri Feb 16, 2007 at 01:46:41 PM EST

I am devistated with what is happening to such a great family. Dog and his family have done a great service for us. I cant help but think there is some political motivation behind this whole thing. It appears they are trying to make an example out of him. I dont know if its in regaurds to the new restrictions on illegal immigration or another motive. If he had a police officer with him then what was the problem? I wish him and his family the best of luck and am praying for them.

Stay strong and positive!!!

dog the bounty hunter (none / 0) (#16)
by rosered on Sat Mar 17, 2007 at 06:25:53 AM EST

I think that it is well out of order that some one who is doing the comunity a service should be treated worser than some of the worse criminals in prison, How many times has the government steped in to rescue a multi murderer off death row....How many times have they freed drug dealers and rapists on bail only for them to flee and commit more crime and death. Dog did what the people wanted done but it seems to me that the peoples voices are ignored, and people with money talk louder especially those who are money orientated and will set up an innocent family to get it, no matter what they have done for their country.Dog and his family clearly didn't know the rules in mexico or they wouldn't have took andrew luster out in frount of loads of witnesses...they would have waited to follow him home and took him when it was quiet...2 the mexican officer that went with him should have informed him of the law ...did he?? so should have the other law inforcement officers???? were did the tip off come from??? if it came from another bounty hunter why didn't he/ she go himself, after all their was $1 million dollor reward, the more i read the more I smell a rat and a big one at that why was andrew luster freed on bail in the first place, when they knew he had committed sutch a violent crime...I think some one else was getting jealous of the attention that he and his family got....or were they frightened that he may have come for them next...As I say Money screams.. people wipser..God bless to all of dogs family have faith our thoughts sre with you all keep strong beth ..

starting a petition for dog (none / 0) (#17)
by rosered on Sat Mar 17, 2007 at 07:08:52 AM EST

I was just about to log off when we had an idea that if some one could start a petition to signe in the support of dog and his family from your end, and our as we live in england would anyone be in support of that, as he has supported everyone else isn't it now time we supported him.If anyones interested please e mail me on ant8812@hotmail.com