12 cities sue LA court to halt zero bail policy.
Twelve LA County Cities File Lawsuit to Stop Zero-Bail Policy
A group of twelve cities in Los Angeles County has taken legal action to challenge the court system’s new zero-bail policy. The policy, which eliminates cash bail for certain non-violent crimes, went into effect on October 1st. However, these cities are seeking to halt its implementation.
Related Stories
- Zero Bail Program Takes Effect in Los Angeles County; Ending Traditional Cash System – 10/2/2023
- Law Enforcement, Officials Question Zero-Bail Schedule to Start in Los Angeles County – 9/28/2023
The cities involved in the lawsuit, including Whittier, Arcadia, and Covina, are prioritizing the safety and security of their residents, businesses, and law enforcement. They argue that the zero-bail schedule fails to support local leaders in their commitment to protect their communities.
Glendale Mayor Gary Boyer expressed his concerns, stating that the zero-bail schedule contradicts the city’s duty to ensure the safety of its residents, workers, and visitors. Despite objections from the county’s district attorney’s office, sheriff, police, and other officials, the Los Angeles Superior Court implemented the zero-bail policy.
Under this new policy, law enforcement has the option to cite and release, book and release, or request a magistrate’s review before applying bail. Most non-violent misdemeanors and felonies would qualify for zero bail, allowing defendants to be released with a ticket at the location of their arrest.
Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner emphasized that a person’s ability to pay should not determine whether they stay in jail before trial or are released. The goal is to prevent low-risk arrestees from being held in jail simply because they cannot afford bail.
However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the zero-bail system. Approximately 20 percent of defendants released on zero bail are rearrested, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. Additionally, some serious and violent offenses, such as residential burglary and drug sales, are now included in the zero-bail schedule.
The lawsuit filed by these twelve cities reflects their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities. They believe that the zero-bail policy poses significant challenges and are seeking to address these concerns through legal action.
How does the zero-bail policy pose a threat to public safety, according to the cities involved in the lawsuit?
Enforcement Officials Question Zero-Bail Schedule to Start in Los Angeles County - 10/1/2023
The lawsuit was filed by the cities of Arcadia, Burbank, Downey, Glendale, Lancaster, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Torrance, Ventura, and West Covina. These cities argue that the zero-bail policy poses a threat to public safety and undermines the criminal justice system. The zero-bail policy was introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its proponents argue that cash bail unfairly punishes individuals who are unable to pay and results in unnecessary pretrial detention. By eliminating cash bail for certain non-violent crimes, the policy aims to combat overcrowding in jails and provide fairer treatment for defendants. However, the cities involved in the lawsuit have raised concerns about the potential consequences of the policy. They believe that defendants released without bail may pose a greater risk to public safety, as there is no financial incentive for them to appear in court or comply with any conditions set by the court. They argue that this could lead to an increase in crime rates and undermine the efforts of law enforcement agencies to maintain public order. The cities also contend that the zero-bail policy undermines the principles of accountability and fairness in the criminal justice system. Cash bail serves as a tool to ensure that defendants appear in court and discourages potential flight risks. It also takes into account the seriousness of the alleged offense and the defendant’s criminal history. By eliminating cash bail entirely, these cities argue that the policy disregards these important factors and ignores the potential risks posed by releasing certain defendants without any financial consequence. The lawsuit seeks to halt the implementation of the zero-bail policy and restore the traditional cash bail system. These cities believe that by reinstating cash bail, the criminal justice system can strike a balance between ensuring public safety and providing fair treatment for defendants. They argue that alternative solutions, such as pretrial services and electronic monitoring, should be explored to address the concerns raised by the zero-bail policy without compromising public safety. As the lawsuit progresses, the outcome will have significant implications not only for Los Angeles County but also for the broader criminal justice system in the United States. The debate surrounding bail reform and the use of cash bail has been ongoing, with supporters and opponents presenting contrasting views on the effectiveness and fairness of the current system. This lawsuit further highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of any proposed changes to the bail system. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on this matter. In the meantime, the debate on bail reform and the zero-bail policy will continue, with both sides putting forth their arguments and advocating for their respective positions. The outcome of this lawsuit will undoubtedly shape the future of bail reform efforts not only in Los Angeles County but throughout the country.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...