Knitter’s cash bond modified, per defense’s request

The bond for Gregory Knitter, 56, Cornell, was modified, following a hearing Aug. 4.

Knitter faces six charges stemming from an April incident – one count of First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety; one count of Operator Flee/Elude Officer – Bodily Harm or Property Damage; one count of Bail Jumping – Felony; one count of Cause Injury/OWI (Passenger <16 Years); one count of Possession of Methamphetamine; and one count of Possession of THC.

Knitter is accused of leading a high speed chase near the Cadott and Chippewa Falls areas, before fleeing on foot.

A $5,000 cash bond was set for Knitter in April. A motion filed prior to the hearing requested the bond be lowered to the $1,000-$1,500 range.

State representative Lawrence Broeren said he did not think the bond should be changed.

“There are three cases open,” said Broeren.

He added that all the cases are felonies, all involve first degree reckless endangering and all have fleeing components to them.

“I suggest that Mr. Knitter can’t behave himself out in public,” said Broeren.

Broeren argued that nothing has changed since the $5,000 bond was set and says he worries more cases will come in the future, if Knitter is released. He also said that bond is not only to guarantee that Knitter will show up for future hear- ings, but also to protect the public.

Defense attorney Matthew Krische says the first and foremost purpose of cash bond is to ensure the person comes to court.

“It’s really the non-monetary conditions that are meant to protect the public,” said Krische, adding that Knitter’s bond contains many non-monetary elements.

Krische argued $5,000 will only serve to keep Knitter in custody.

“Now, we’re not asking for a signature bond,” said Krische. “Mr. Knitter recognizes the seriousness of these three felony matters.”

He says they are only asking for an amount Knitter can afford.

Krische also noted that mental health has been a factor in Knitter’s cases and said keeping Knitter in custody won’t help those matters.

Judge Benjamin Lane noted a missed appearance on Knitter’s part, for other cases Knitter has open in Chippewa County.

“In all three cases here, there have been allegations that you are trying to evade something at issue in this matter,” said Lane.

Lane says it causes him concern when people seem hesitant to face consequences and makes him wonder if Knitter will continue to show up for court.

However, Lane also noted that the defendant’s ability to pay bail is something he needs to take into consideration.

“This bond has been in place since April,” said Lane, adding since Knitter did not pay it yet, there is some support that the defendant doesn’t have the ability to pay.

With that in mind, Lane partially granted the request of the defense, modifying the bond to $2,500. He said he knows that is still higher than the requested amount, but says there is still a need to have funds in place to show Knitter is serious about coming to court.

If Knitter does post the bond, he is to contact pretrial monitoring right away.

Knitter’s next scheduled court appearance is for a review hearing Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Chippewa County Courthouse.