Bail reform has been a major concern for activists and politicians for a number of years now. There is a growing concern that excessive bail unfairly penalizes the poor. The concern seems to center around bail for minor offenses such as misdemeanors, drug charges, and traffic violations. When the offender can’t afford bail for these minor charges, they risk losing their jobs and time with their families. While these issues are concerning, many on the other side of the issue worry about loopholes that could be caused by abolishing bail. We may soon have a model for what this looks like in a major metropolitan area thanks to reforms by the new Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.
There’s a New D.A. in Town
L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón, on his first day in office, told the press about a dramatic set of plans for criminal justice reform in the nation’s most populated county. One of his plans includes moving to phase out cash bail for all misdemeanors and some felony offenses.
Gascón said by Jan. 1 his office will unveil detailed plans to end the system of money bail “in its entirety.” In 2018, outgoing California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill ending cash bail in the nation’s most populous state. However, the bail bond industry challenged the measure. On Election Day last month, California voters rejected Proposition 25, which was an effort to end the state’s system of cash bail.
Immediate Reforms
According to a special directive effective Tuesday, prosecutors will now be instructed to ask the court for the criminal defendant’s release. Bail can still be considered at arraignment if the defendant is accused of a violent felony or sexual assault.
The district attorney’s office will also no longer seek the death penalty in Los Angeles County and current cases with a judgment of death will be reviewed, with the ultimate goal of getting the capital punishment removed, and prioritizing cases for resentencing inmates who are serving excessive prison terms.
Bail Industry Impact
So, how does this D.A. in Los Angeles affect the bail industry at large? And how might it affect your or your loved one’s ability to be released from jail to await trial in the future?
Because LA is such a large city and the most populated county in the United States, other cities are likely to look at them as a model for these kinds of reforms. Additionally, it sets a precedent for what other district attorneys can accomplish without input from voters.
Delta Bail Bonds Is Still Here For You
You can count on Delta Bail Bonds to stay on top of the legal and political news that applies to your life. As long as bail remains part of our system in Dallas and McKinney, TX, we will be here to help you get out of jail quickly. Save our information and give us a call when you need us!