A controversial zero-bail policy is now in effect in Los Angeles County, ending the years-long standard of setting cash bail amounts for defendants.
A controversial zero-bail policy is now in effect in Los Angeles County, ending the years-long standard of setting cash bail amounts for defendants commensurate with the severity of the crime they are accused of committing -- a process critics say favors the rich while doing little to protect public safety.It ushers in a major change in how the court system deals with people who are arrested and how long they stay in custody.
Law enforcement officials and some residents are concerned about how the new policy will impact crime. "It's really dangerous for us to conflate bail with accountability," Mitchell said, adding later: "Bail means I have the resources to pay my way out of jail." Once a person is charged and appears in court for arraignment, a judge could change or revoke the defendant's release conditions.
"This zero-bail schedule is just another policy that leaves us less safe than we should be," Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.The new system is borne from long-held criticism that cash bail favored the rich, meaning well-heeled people arrested for even the most serious of crimes could pay their way out of jail, while low-income people languished behind bars for far lesser offenses.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Los Angeles County prepares for zero bail in the court systemLos Angeles County's court system is about to implement a zero-bail policy for a wide range of minor offenses, unless a new lawsuit blocks it.
Read more »
Cloudy skies, light rain expected to continue Saturday across Los Angeles CountyThe National Weather Service is predicting light rain for much of L.A. County on Saturday into Sunday morning.
Read more »
A dozen Southern California cities seek court order blocking LA County zero-bail systemThe zero-bail system is scheduled to take effect on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Read more »
Southland cities seek court order to block LA County’s zero bail planCities are Glendora, Whittier, Artesia, Covina, Downey, Lakewood, Santa Fe Springs, Palmdale, Arcadia, Industry, Vernon, La Verne
Read more »
'Dangerous' Bell County homicide suspect on the loose, possibly in Travis CountyThe Bell County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Ryan Adam Madden, who is suspected in the homicide of Cody Wayne Kinslow.Law enforcement attempted to arrest M
Read more »