​The Lighter Side: Creative bail

Jason Duval was offered “a chance to be creative” by Judge Douglas Stoddart when he told a Massachusetts court he had no money for bail.

Jason Duval was offered “a chance to be creative” by Judge Douglas Stoddart when he told a Massachusetts court he had no money for bail, due to a pricey divorce.

According to reports, Duval was charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance and driving to endanger back in 2012. The charges were dismissed and he was ordered to pay $450 in court costs. Having failed to pay, a warrant was issued and Duval was arrested on New Year’s Day.  

Stoddart told Duval he didn’t trust him to be released without bail because the he didn't believe Duval would pay the outstanding costs.

The judge offered to send Duval to prison for a few days and wipe the debt, but Duval wasn’t so keen on the idea. 

“If you can come up with a creative idea to convince me that you’ll come back, I’ll work with you,” the judge said.

After a brief break, Duval told the judge he would provide his new Nike sneakers, which he received for Christmas, in exchange for his release.

“OK, we’ll take them,” Stoddart said.

Duval’s sneakers will be returned to him after he pays $100 in $25 weekly instalments or does 10 hours of community service in the same period.