Alliance of California Judges Oppose Legislative Efforts to Overhaul the Bail System

RIVERSIDE, Calif., June 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Senator Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) has authored Senate Bill-10, which would eliminate the current bail system in favor of creating a Pretrial program to screen defendants. The new law would create a new bureaucracy, which lawmakers, industry lobbyists, and others have decried, as the proposal would impose high costs on the state and counties.

The Alliance of California Judges, a group of more than 500 judges and retired judges from across the state, has expressed strong opposition to the Bail Reform Bill. Their position is that Judges already have the power to adjust bail amounts and release defendants on their own recognizance.

"We recognize that not everyone has the ability to post bail pending trial. But the proposals contained in these bills are simply too drastic, and the effects on public safety and court congestion could be catastrophic," Hon. Steve White, President of the Alliance of CA Judges, wrote in an opposition letter to Legislator Rob Bonta regarding Bail Reform.

Bail amounts are currently set by Judges; the proposed bail reform would create panels who would use a different set of priorities to determine pretrial release. These reforms would pose additional risks to public safety. Judge White continues, "Those arrested for selling drugs, committing identity theft, vandalizing homes and business, stealing huge sums of money, or burglarizing dozens of business would all presumptively be granted pretrial release--without having to appear before a judge, post bail or submit to any conditions upon release."

An identical bill in the CA Assembly, Assembly Bill-42 authored by Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) narrowly failed, 36 in favor and 37 lawmakers opposed, in a late night, 11 PM vote on June 1st.

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SOURCE Alliance of California Judges