Our "Close-up" series which deals with a growing problem for America`s legal system is called "Recidivism", and it`s when criminals commit a crime, but before they do the time, they`re out on bail and strike again. It`s becoming more and more common every day. WDHN`s Havonnah Johnson looks at what is becoming an epidemic right here in our own backyard. (Havonnah quote), "Jerry Jerome Smith, Benard Mulloins, Eric Pearce, and Andre Bonds...what do they have in common? They are all career criminals that were out on bail when they re-offended. DA Doug Valeska says they can be stopped, but Alabama lawmakers have to be willing to pay the price. The state of Alabama, pay me now pay me later...what price are you willing to pay for justice?" "But David Bennett had to pay the ultimate price of his llife, and years later his mother Mertis Bennet still mourns his unexpected death after he was murdered by Jerry Jerome Smith." (end quote) Valeska says, "What that means is, what nobody wants....more taxes. "I can`t speak for the state of Alabama, but I would be willing to pay if we could keep the rapist, the child molestors, the murderers in jail every day of their sentence, but the question is, why should some woman or child be faced with meeting, because of some murderer or rapist being let out after serving 2, 10, or 15 years of their sentence?" This is the question that still can`t be answered. Tonight Havonnah will take a look at the other side of the issue...ex-convicts who get out of jail and turn their lives around. That is today at 5, 6, and ten on News 18.