Bail reform has been one of the political goals of many state governments across the country – including California. While state efforts have been unsuccessful, local, county-level reforms do not need to be signed off on by the governor. As such, a zero-bail policy is now in effect in Los Angeles County.
What a Zero-Bail Policy Means
The recent policy states that police and Sheriff’s deputies are unable to hold suspects in lieu of cash bail if their alleged crime was either a misdemeanor or one of several non-violent offenses.
On one side, law enforcement authorities decry the policy’s weakening of police powers.
On the other side, activists are claiming that the new policy helps keep poor people from incarceration simply because they cannot afford bail.
The New Policy’s Effects Have Already Been Witnessed
A similar policy was put in place during the pandemic to help stem the tide of infections among people imprisoned in California’s jails. While it did slow the influx of new inmates, it also emboldened some others to commit more crimes than they may have originally intended.
During the pandemic, a number of suspects were caught by police, cited out (given a citation with the date and time to return to court), and released, only to go on and commit another crime or two – frequently on the same day!
Helping those unable to afford bail is a noble cause, however, the methods used erode the fear of punishment for many.
So What Does This Mean for Bail Bonds?
If someone is arrested in LA County, the new rules will dictate what happens. However, outside of LA County, an individual can still be arrested and taken into custody just as before. You can still bail someone out of jail in Los Angeles County, provided they are suspected of committing a crime for which they should be held in custody for (and they’re eligible for bail). Outside the county, it’s the same as it always was.
If you’d like additional information about bail bonds in Los Angeles County, give us a call any time at 661-299-2245.
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