Bail reduced for murder suspect

Attorney Bruce Finlay was in Wahkiakum County Superior Court Tuesday with his client, Rosburg resident Sam Valdez, to petition the $10 million bail set in July.

Valdez has been charged on three counts: solicitation to commit murder in the first degree, delivery of marijuana, and possession with intent to manufacture or deliver marijuana.

Finlay argued that the bail had been set high in order to keep Valdez in jail because of “speculation that the defendent might do this or might do that instead. Speculation is insufficient and should not be accepted by this or any court.”

His motion also stated that the “traditional right to freedom before conviction permits the unhampered preparation of a defense and serves to prevent the infliction of punishment before conviction.”

Judge Steven Warning agreed, and Valdez’s bail was set at $750,000 along with several stipulations for his release.

Valdez is not to leave Clark or Cowlitz counties. There are exceptions: He is allowed to go to Wahkiakum County for court dates, or to visit his attorney in Mason County or Pierce county if he retains another attorney there.

He is not to approach or attempt to communicate with his ex-wife, Judge Michael J. Sullivan or Judge William J. Faubion. He is not to approach or attempt to communicate with any of the state’s witnesses except through his investigator, Jim Harris or through counsel.

He is not to go to his ex-wife’s home.

He is not allowed to possess firearms or any other dangerous weapons. He is not allowed to commit any criminal offenses.

Valdez has to surrender his passport and his pilot’s license, stay away from his boat, and have a GPS tracking device for electronic monitoring prior to release.

Valdez remains in custody. His trial is set for January 5-8, 2016.