Suspects awaiting trial in California will now have their bail eliminated, according to a bill signed by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.
In lieu of bail, suspects will be gauged under a risk-assessment system.
Suspects looking at serious, violent felonies won’t be eligible for release prior to trial but the majority of suspects arrested for nonviolent misdemeanors will be let go within 12 hours of being booked, according to the legislation.
The bill gives officials 24 hours to determine whether other suspects should be released before trial. That time can be extended by 12 hours if necessary.
“Today, California reforms its bail system so that rich and poor alike are treated fairly,” Brown said in a statement, according to The Sacramento Bee.
Bail bond agencies are getting set to battle the legislation which would go into effect next year.
The ACLU has flipped and is now against the legislation saying it will give to much power to judges who tend to rule against minorities.
-RW
Terrible development. The vast majority of defendants do not bail jump nor “re”-offend. Bonds/bail are a serious aid to the accused in mounting a defense. As a defense attorney I can say authoritatively that folks who are out of jail are in a better frame of mind to make rationale decisions regarding their circumstances, are better able to help their attorneys locate evidence/witnesses, and are more candid with counsel outside of jail.
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