Questionable behavior gets Jolly more bail restrictions
By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
May 21, 2010 11:22 a.m. |(6) Comments
Houston - Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly was placed on much tighter bond restrictions this morning in a Harris County (Texas) courtroom because of some questionable behavior as he still awaits trial on felony drug possession charges.
Jollys jury trial, which was scheduled to start today, has been reset. The new date is not yet known.
On July 8, 2008, Houston police arrested Jolly for possession of at least 200 grams of codeine. It is a second-degree felony that carries a sentence of between two and 20 years if convicted.
A hearing was delayed on May 5th because Jolly's lawyer, Michelle E. Beck, said he was in the hospital for complications from appendicitis, and Beck said Jolly was released later that afternoon.
Prosecutors today presented judge Mike Anderson with a flyer that said Jolly would be hosting a party at a Houston club, The Blue Door, on May 7th.
The prosecutor also presented recent photos from a website that showed Jolly at various parties with alcoholic drinks in his hand.
Under the terms of his bond, Jolly is to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
The prosecutor wanted Jolly's bond raised, but Anderson decided to keep the bond at $10,000.
However, Anderson placed more restrictions on Jolly after pointing to the flyer and telling Jolly, I dont want to see another flyer like this.
Under the new terms:
* Jolly must submit a hair follicle to be tested for drugs by a lab within the next seven days.
* He is now subject to a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew;
* Jolly was ordered not to attend any place that has drugs or alcohol;
* He must go to an evaluation center to determine whether he has issues with drugs for alcohol, and then abide by any recommendations for treatment.
Beck asked the judge if Jolly could still travel with the Packers.
Anderson said that will be handled as it comes it, but theyll use common sense.
Jolly is currently an unsigned restricted free agent. The Packers can rescind his tender (first-round level, $2.521 million) at any time, making him an unrestricted free agent. He has not reported to off-season workouts.