Mario Jermaine Simmons’ bond has been reduced to $150,000.

Simmons, 26, is charged with the murder of Paul Jermaine Mollette, 21. Simmons allegedly shot and killed Mollette Feb. 28 near the Washington Street Super Market.

Simmons’ bond &045;&045; originally set at $750,000 &045;&045; was reduced by Circuit Court Judge Marvin Wiggins on Monday. William T. Faile, Simmons’ attorney, filed a motion to set reasonable bond April 18.

The Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure states the recommended range of Simmons’ bond be $5,000 to $50,000. It also stated Simmons was not a flight risk since he and his family are residents of Dallas County.

Greene added, though, that $150,000 was still a substantial bond.

According to Faile, Simmons’ family was currently working on raising the funds for bond.

There are a number of different ways to post bond. A property bond is based on the land value owned by those signing the bond. Often the sheriff &045;&045; in this case Sheriff Harris Huffman &045;&045; requires tax documents be provided proving land ownership.

A bail bondsman can provide another way of posting bond. In this case, a percentage of the bond is paid.

A combination of both can also be used to post bond.

Wiggins &045;&045; in addition to reducing Simmons’ bond &045;&045; has also scheduled a bond hearing for May 1. Faile said if Simmons’ family hasn’t yet made bond by that point he would request another reduction. If Simmons’ bond has been made, Faile will ask the court for no additional changes to the bond amount.

As of Thursday afternoon Simmons had not yet made bond.

District Attorney Ed Greene said the next stage in Simmons’ case lies with an April 29 grand jury hearing.

In the past, a grand jury indictment led to an additional arrest and new bond. However, this procedure has changed over the years; if Simmons is indicted, he will not be arrested again.