Judge Firm on Jackson's Bail

Wed., Sep. 1, 2004 4:40 PM PDT by Sarah Hall

Breakdancing news: Michael Jackson is a wealthy man.

Citing those big bucks, the judge in Jackson's child-molestation case has again decided against reducing the popster's $3 million bail.

"Three million dollars is reasonable under these unique circumstances," wrote Judge Rodney S. Melville in the court order filed Tuesday.

Jackson's legal team initially filed a motion to reduce the moonwalker's bail in May, arguing that the amount was excessive in light of the fact that the average Joe charged with the same offenses would be out a mere $435,000 in bail. In June, Melville denied that motion.

Team Jackson quickly appealed the ruling, but even though the Gloved One turned 46 on Sunday, Melville did not see fit to grant him any birthday wishes.

"This is not a denial of bail, nor is bail set so high as to effectively deny release from custody," Melville wrote in the court order. "In fact, [Jackson] posted bail immediately and, other than his booking, has never been incarcerated."

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Plus, there's always the risk that Jackson could flee the country and go into hiding. Melville stated that the grand jury transcript provided "significant evidence" that the King of Pop had once considered escaping to Brazil with the family of his young accuser.

Melville indicated that given Jackson's "financial ability to hire private jets" and "significant ties across the country and around the world," the seven-figure sum is an appropriate motivator to ensure that the Bad singer shows up for his court dates.

"While it is difficult?to imagine a person of [Jackson's] wealth and status becoming an international fugitive, the prospect is not entirely without precedent," Melville wrote.

(Indeed, let's not forget Jackson's foiled attempt to go incognito in that bastion of suburban wilderness?the Wal-Mart. Who knows what he might try next time?)

Jackson is due on court on Jan. 31, 2005, to face trial on 10 felony counts ranging from child molestation to conspiracy. He has pleaded innocent across the board and remains free thanks to his proven ability to scrape together $3 million in bail.