Bail Set at a Million for Father George Chaanine, KVBC [Las Vegas NV], March 22, 2007

Bail Set at a Million for Father George Chaanine

KVBC [Las Vegas NV]
March 22, 2007

http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=6265948&nav=15MV

If he can come up with the money, Father George Chaanine will be able to get out of jail. A judge set his bail Thursday at $1 million.

Chaanine's lawyer says he doesn't think the priest will be able to make bail. Many times defense lawyers say their clients don't have the money to make bail but then those defendants are able to get it.

Chaanine has been held without bond since being brought back to Nevada in early February. He spent almost a week on the run after being charged with attempted murder, sexual assault, battery and kidnapping.

Prosecutors say Chaanine threatened to kill a church co-worker before he beat her over the head with a wine bottle and choked her.

Chaanine's lawyers recommended a $50,000 to $100,000 bail. Prosecutors argued the priest is a flight risk with no ties to the community. They asked for a $2 million bail. The judge settled on $1 million.

Jeff Banks, Chaanine's lawyer, says the diocese is not interested in helping his client make bail. Banks says right now, he doesn't know of anyone that would put up the money to get Chaanine out of jail.

Since Chaanine says he's too poor to pay for his own attorney and currently is being represented by public defenders, he will have to appear in court again if he makes bond. The judge will want to know how he got his hands on that much money before she releases him.

Chaanine waived his right to a trial within 60 days. Unless the date is moved up, he will go to trial in January 2008.