To the editor:

The Alexandria Times’ July 11 article by Julia Brouillette (“Patterson denied bond”) relates that a former Arlington County sheriff’s deputy, Craig Patterson, was denied bail in Alexandria Circuit Court.

Yes, a death is at issue, and the anguished Patterson faces much punishment. He, like anyone who’s not a flight risk or likely to commit further offenses or interfere with witnesses, deserves reasonable bail to prepare for trial.
Bail is enumerated in our Bill of Rights. The court and prosecution are exacting punishment before conviction.

– Michael Strutzel
Alexandria

(File Photo)