Judges Uphold Bail Rights for Defendants Charged with Gruesome Crimes

North Dakota attorney explains constitutional protections for bail even in violent cases

Feb. 20, 2026 at 1:15am

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Even though some may believe defendants charged with gruesome crimes are flight risks or a threat to the community, they have a constitutional right to bail, according to a Fargo attorney. Joshua Hite was given a $5 million cash-only bail by a Cass County judge for charges including murder, tampering with evidence, and giving police false information. The attorney explains that while bail can be set high, the Eighth Amendment assures defendants the right to reasonable bail, and North Dakota courts rarely deny bail in state cases.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around bail reform and public safety, as judges must balance defendants' constitutional rights with concerns about repeat offenses and community protection. It also raises questions about how the criminal justice system handles defendants accused of particularly violent or disturbing crimes.

The details

Joshua Hite is charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and giving police false information in connection with the death of Isadora Wengel, whose body may have been dismembered. Despite the gruesome nature of the alleged crimes, Fargo attorney Jeff Bredahl explains that the Eighth Amendment guarantees defendants the right to reasonable bail, and North Dakota courts rarely deny bail in state cases, unlike federal courts where it happens more often.

  • Joshua Hite was given a $5 million cash-only bail by Cass County Judge Connie Cleveland.

The players

Joshua Hite

A defendant charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and giving police false information in connection with the death of Isadora Wengel.

Isadora Wengel

The victim whose body may have been dismembered.

Judge Connie Cleveland

The Cass County judge who set Joshua Hite's $5 million cash-only bail.

Jeff Bredahl

A Fargo attorney who explains the constitutional protections around bail, even for defendants accused of gruesome crimes.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen in North Dakota where the court denies bail in state court. In federal court, it happens more often than not.”

— Jeff Bredahl, Fargo attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Joshua Hite out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around bail reform and public safety, as judges must balance defendants' constitutional rights with concerns about repeat offenses and community protection. It also raises questions about how the criminal justice system handles defendants accused of particularly violent or disturbing crimes.