Cash Bail Ends For Most Low-Level Arrests In LA County

Starting Oct. 1, most people arrested for misdemeanors and low-level felonies in L.A. County will no longer have to pay large sums of money to get out of custody.

What has changed

Previously in L.A. County, once arrested you were given a bail amount according to the charge. If you couldn’t pay it, you would have to stay in jail until your arraignment.

Now, if arrested for a minor offense, you’ll receive a date to appear in court, no bail.

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If law enforcement has concerns the person arrested may be a serious flight risk or have some other reason to believe bail is actually appropriate, they can request for a judge to decide.

Why it matters

Advocates argue it will create a more equitable justice system, while critics worry it may drive up crime.

“People are being arrested and then they'll stay in jail for days, weeks, months if they're poor because they can't afford bail,” said Christine Scott-Hayward, professor and director of the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at Cal State Long Beach. “If they're wealthy, they can get out, so this is a reaction to that inequitable system.”

Local leaders such as L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna have expressed concerns over the move.

At last Tuesday’s county board meeting, Supervisor Kathryn Barger spoke about worries from her constituents who want to know how this is going to impact crime.

“How are we going to make sure that criminals out there don’t feel there are no consequences for the actions that they take?” she asked.

Proponents argue that data is on their side, citing jurisdictions without a money bail that have not seen a negative impact on public safety.

“There's no evidence that crime rates go up when you reduce the use of cash bail,” said Scott-Hayward. “I think there's a perception and it's unfortunately not a correct perception, that individuals need some sort of financial incentive if they're going to show up to court. But there's no evidence to support that.”

Court challenge

On Friday, twelve cities including Whittier and Glendora filed a lawsuit seeking to postpone the implementation of the policy, claiming that zero bail poses a threat to public safety.