When a major crime happens in Fargo, I often look up the suspect’s criminal history. Almost every time, they have a recent, violent records. I can’t help but ask - how are they free? Are our prosecutors and courts failing us, the victims, and the offenders?

In a recent shooting, the suspect had previously held someone at gunpoint and was on probation through September. Last month, he pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and was released with more probation. Is that double probation? And why was he free after violating it while in court custody?

Another case: an unprovoked downtown assault by someone with a long history of violence. This person was charged with terrorizing in February, has since picked up two more charges, and even served time for murder. How were they back on the street?

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