Austin magistrate reads rights, sets bail in session covering multiple arrestees

Judge Ken Vettucci of the City of Austin Municipal Court read magistrate warnings, set bail and recorded requests for court-appointed counsel for multiple people during a magistrate session. Vettucci told each person their charges, the bail set in their case and that they have the right to an attorney whether hired or court-appointed.

The magistrate explained the three common ways to satisfy bail — a personal bond approved by a judge, a bail-bond company putting up the full bond in exchange for a fee, or a cash bond — and noted that the pretrial services office evaluates requests for appointed counsel. He also told defendants charged by other counties that those counties must arrange pickup and that, if not picked up within 10 working days, the detainee is generally released from custody as to that…