From the court's website:
The amount of the bond is determined by the degree of risk a defendant poses to his/her victim or society and the likelihood of the defendant appearing for future court appearances. Defendants posing high risk in these areas may have a higher bond set. In many cases, a District Court Probation Officer will conduct an investigation, called bond screening, into the defendant’s history of prior criminal acts, violent nature, employment, family connections, and substance abuse issues. The findings of this investigation are reported to the judge or magistrate prior to setting the bond to help determine the defendant’s inclination to commit further violent acts or evade further court proceedings.
The Michigan Constitution, Article I, Section 17:
Self-incrimination; due process of law; fair treatment at investigations.
No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law. The right of all individuals, firms, corporations and voluntary associations to fair and just treatment in the course of legislative and executive investigations and hearings shall not be infringed.
Article I, Section 16:
Bail; fines; punishments; detention of witnesses.
Sec. 16. Excessive bail shall not be required; excessive fines shall not be imposed; cruel or
unusual punishment shall not be inflicted; nor shall witnesses be unreasonably detained
Another policy of this judge, at least as of 2008: Even though state law allows minors in possession of alcohol to enter a diversion program for a first offense (where classes or treatment is required), he doesn't allow it. He insists on a guilty plea which leaves the kid with a criminal conviction on his record.
