Update: Bail reduced for vehicular-assault suspect in 17th/Cambridge crash

A judge has reduced bail for the woman charged with three felonies in the South Delridge crash that sent two people to the hospital last month. According to court documents, 26-year-old Kalameu Paulo of Seatac pleaded not guilty yesterday; she is charged with two counts of vehicular assault and one count of hit-and-run. Prosecutors allege she was under the influence when her van smashed into a smaller car at 17th and Cambridge early the morning of June 23rd, sending driver Logan Wicker and his passenger to the hospital; police say they caught Paulo running away from the scene.

At the arraignment, King County Superior Court Judge Ronald Kessler granted her request for lower bail, reducing it to $5,000 from the previously set $75,000. If she posts bond and gets out, she is supposed to participate in the alternative program known as CCAP (explained here), but will not be allowed to drive. If she does not post bond to get out of jail, she will be able to leave during the day for work or school release, according to court documents, which say that in either case, Paulo is supposed to be tested for drug or alcohol use twice a month. She is scheduled to return to court on July 24th. Meantime, as reported here earlier this week, a fundraiser for Wicker’s medical bills is set this Saturday at his workplace, Skylark Café and Club.

SATURDAY UPDATE: According to the jail register, Paulo posted bond and was released Friday afternoon.

Craig July 11, 2013 (4:22 pm)

This is why our justice system is a joke
Logan Is still unconscious and in the hospital and will face years of hard work to get back to normal
She needs to do years in prison for her wreckless behavior and what she did to him
Good ol honorable kessler handing out jokes like always

flimflam July 11, 2013 (4:25 pm)

yeah, why not? she probably said “please” and shed a few tears so, by all means, reduce that bail…..

CandrewB July 11, 2013 (4:31 pm)

There is our man Kessler again. Pretty sure he does not have family down here nor does he suspect Paulo gets up to Sand Point much. Are there any other judges that handle SW Seattle?

WSB July 11, 2013 (5:00 pm)

Candrew, this is not a regional thing. We have no Superior Courtroom here – this was heard downtown.
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What I should mention for context – he is the Chief Criminal Judge for Superior Court.

Gene July 11, 2013 (4:31 pm)

Judge Kessler strikes again- please folks remember his name & vote accordingly the next time he runs.

miws July 11, 2013 (4:45 pm)

Oh god, judge Kessler again…. :-(

At this rate of him releasing/setting relatively low bail for these serious crimes, we may realize one benefit; it’ll be easy to remember his name come Election time, and vote for his opponent, or leave the position blank if he’s running unopposed, to send a message.

And, I understand the accused have Rights, so don’t need to be lectured on that.

Mike

Rod July 11, 2013 (4:53 pm)

Judge Ronald Kessler strikes again!

DTK July 11, 2013 (4:57 pm)

Anyone want to bet she will drive home from jail?

CandrewB July 11, 2013 (5:10 pm)

I realize that. It was a rhetorical question. Because his name pops up so often with asinine rulings affecting West Seattle…

Rockford Columbo July 11, 2013 (5:14 pm)

Unbelieveable:(

WSgal July 11, 2013 (5:17 pm)

Unbelievable.

Stay strong Logan, we’re all rooting for you.

kas July 11, 2013 (5:21 pm)

She’s “supposed” to participate in the program and is not “allowed” to drive…but where is the accountability? She wasn’t “supposed” to drive while intoxicated or flee a vehicular accident she caused, but look where that got her. Oh wait…it got her free! :-/

West Seattle Hipster July 11, 2013 (5:25 pm)

Wow, reduced bail in this case and the recent stolen vehicle (containing firearms and stolen property) case.

What the **** is going on here?

July 11, 2013 (5:28 pm)

Very disappointing. Adjust her bail to whatever her victim’s medical bill is today and see what happens.

Google “Judge Ronald Kessler” for more on his judgemental skills.

Jenny July 11, 2013 (5:39 pm)

How do we get a hold of Skylark, their phone number on their website doesn’t work.

WSB July 11, 2013 (5:40 pm)

Jenny -I’d advise Facebook or e-mail – TR

smokeycretin9 July 11, 2013 (5:40 pm)

We wouldnt want anyone to feel too bad or look like we are targeting any one part of society, so, off she goes, to ruin someone else’s life one day. Maybe we should pay her for her pain and suffering while we are at it.

I kind of like the idea of her serving Logan and his family for the rest of her life.

whatever July 11, 2013 (5:58 pm)

Just wanted to thank WSB for letting us know the kinds of rulings that judges are making that effect our community. $5,000 for destroying a mans life and then trying to flee the scene. Unbelievable. Definitely a name to remember come election time.

pigeonmom July 11, 2013 (6:11 pm)

Ditto Kas.

let them swim July 11, 2013 (6:47 pm)

And I thought $75,000.00 was too low.
Something is wrong. I do not understand the
ruling. Put an anklet bracelet on her, house arrest, anything to track her. Work or school release –B.S.– unless all of her earnings go to Logans recovery.

West Seattle Hipster July 11, 2013 (7:45 pm)

An interesting story about Judge Kessler:

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021119711_judgekesslerxml.html

WSB July 11, 2013 (8:08 pm)

Thanks for the link, WSHipster. I’ve sat on the other side of the glass in that courtroom many times and it really is a “parade.” I once dubbed it the Mos Eisley Courtroom (as an aged Star Wars geek – “no greater hive of scum and villainy”) – the gallery can be as interesting as the defendants/lawyers – once I got there so late I could only stand, and when the case I was there to cover came up, some people in the benches were chatting – I accidentally tried to shh them and my life was subsequently threatened. Fun times. But for those interested in how the system works/doesn’t work, I highly suggest getting up there to sit in sometime. I wish I had been able to attend this hearing personally but there are no exact times and if I go downtown, it costs an hour of travel time as well as the courtroom time, and as the lone editor of WSB, that’s sometimes an hour I cannot spare, so I rely on online documents as well as checking in with the prosecutor’s office – TR

coffee July 11, 2013 (8:03 pm)

I recently worked with an individual who was processed through Kesslers court, he was given all kinds of chances, and he ended up back in jail, now prison for more drug charges, a gun charge, and a burglary charge. He was also to attend the CCAP class, but rarely showed up. It was a trial rehab program that was shelved.

Rara July 11, 2013 (8:57 pm)

I agree with you Craig. That poor boy still hasn’t woken up and this gal gets to go about her business. Absolutely no justice. Shame on that judge.

Skylark July 11, 2013 (10:04 pm)

Hmm. We’ve been getting calls all day at the biz # just fine…? Sorry for any inconvenience! Feel free to try again or email info@skylarkcafe.

WS July 12, 2013 (9:00 am)

two counts of vehicular assault and one count of hit-and-run, and she gets bail reduced to $5000?? That is just absurd!! “Hit and run” means the person has no concern for anyone but themself and is most certainly a flight risk! Why is our justice system so easy on criminals? The criminals have have changed the victims life forever, they need to pay for their crime for as long as the victim does.

let them swim July 12, 2013 (11:07 am)

Very sad decision by the judge and we cannot do anything about it but, we can show support for Logan and his family by showing up at the Skylark on Saturday. Even if it’s just a drop-in for a minute or two-it’ll be appreciated.

WSB July 12, 2013 (11:54 am)

We’ve heard from more people about the benefit today – we’re in the info booth at Summer Fest and a couple flyers were just dropped off for us to display – sounds like some amazing auction items, too, and we’ve asked to get the list so we can write about them in advance – TR

Neighbor July 12, 2013 (1:03 pm)

As a victim of someone else’s illegal behavior while driving I have to say how completely unfathomable this release is. This man’s entire life is over as he one lived it.For some a major part of recovery from an accident like this is knowing that there is consequences for the person who hurt you. With judges like this it only serves to further victimize the innocent.
Honestly this sickens me, it should outrage all of us.

rico July 12, 2013 (1:13 pm)

Despicable decision by Judge Kessler. Does anyone know if judges have a boss we can write letters of concern to, or is there a recall possibility for a judge.

Seems the reason we are all up in arms over this is the possible fact that we are only now becoming aware of these decisions (thanks to WSB). I do not ever recall seeing much coverage of judges decisions in most media, why is that?

pupsarebest July 12, 2013 (1:23 pm)

Outrageous and sickening, indeed, Neighbor.
The consequences of careless behavior when driving can be profound—so beyond the obvious drunk driving admonitions, may I please urge all those driving while talking/texting on their handheld toy, pay attention to your driving before you hurt or kill someone.

HelperMonkey July 12, 2013 (4:52 pm)

Hi Skylark: is there any kind of online donation or funding site set up for Logan for those of us unable to make it to the benefit at Skylark? I know there are a lot of people who would love to help out if they can…

WSB July 12, 2013 (5:11 pm)

HM – this is the site:
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http://www.getrightlogan.com
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TR

Bubba July 12, 2013 (6:06 pm)

@HelperMonkey you can also donate to Chase Bank. Tell them that it is for The Logan Wicker Fund. Logan is my best friend, and I just want to thank everyone for the support that has been shown during this difficult time. Hope to see lots of people tomorrow at the benefit!

NotMe July 12, 2013 (11:21 pm)

For a lousy $500, she is out on a bond. Disgusting.
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I think it’s awesome we are seeing the judge’s name posted. Election time is going to be a wake up call.