November 28, 2023 Your Source for Brentwood News

California’s Legal Shift: Cash Bail System Ends On Sunday For Certain Defendants

Despite Opposition to Proposition, California Supreme Court Ruled Against System

By Dolores Quintana

A landmark ruling by the California Supreme Court is poised to bring significant changes to the state’s cash bail system. The ruling dictates that certain defendants can no longer be detained solely due to their inability to afford bail.

However, California is not the first state to eliminate cash bail. In July of this year, the state of Illinois was the first state in the union to do so. 

In a unanimous opinion issued on Thursday, Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar asserted that the common practice of conditioning freedom solely on an arrestee’s financial capacity to post bail is unconstitutional. Instead, the court emphasized that various conditions of release, such as electronic monitoring, regular check-ins with a pretrial case manager, community housing or shelter, and drug and alcohol treatment, should be considered as alternatives to bail. 

The ruling firmly states that the court must take into account an arrestee’s ability to pay the specified bail amount and cannot detain the individual “solely because” they are unable to post bail. The ruling underlines that individuals, when given the opportunity, almost always secure their release, emphasizing the profound disadvantages of remaining incarcerated while awaiting the resolution of criminal charges.

Justice Cuéllar further emphasized the distinction between deciding that a person should be charged with a crime and determining whether, under the constitutional framework, that individual warrants detention pending trial for the alleged offense.

Reacting to the court’s decision, California Public Defenders Association President Jennifer Friedman expressed concern. She argued that the court had wrongly presumed that individuals had committed the charged offense when deciding on release issues and failed to provide a clear description of the limited category of individuals who might still be subject to detention. 

Friedman expressed hope that the ruling would bring about a substantial shift and ensure that nobody is held in custody unless clear and convincing evidence demonstrates that there are no viable alternatives to guarantee the person’s return to court.

The court’s decision comes in the wake of Proposition 25, a ballot measure aimed at eliminating cash bail, which faced opposition from 56% of California voters in recent months.

in News
Related Posts

Attorney General Rob Bonta Advises Californians to Exercise Caution on Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Tips and Resources Ensure Safe Donations Amid Rising Threats By Dolores Quintana Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the...

Protesters Target AIPAC President’s Home in Brentwood – LAPD Investigates Possible Hate Crime

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

On Thanksgiving Morning, Two Dozen Demonstrators Caught on Camera  By Dolores Quintana On Thanksgiving morning, a group of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators...

Major Cantaloupe Recall Expands: Brands, Stores, and Products Affected

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Cantaloupe Products Linked to Ongoing CDC Investigation in 28 States By Dolores Quintana In an expanded recall from the FDA...

(Video) All’antico Vinaio, the legendary Florentine sandwich shop is now open in Venice

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Located at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, lines have been around the block since the restaurant officially opened on November 20th....

USC Forecast Predicts Rising Rents and Commercial Real Estate Financing Struggles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Report Sparks Concerns for Real Estate Development in Southern California By Dolores Quintana  The University of Southern California’s Lusk Center...

Video Game Tycoon Dave Hagewood Scores Lavish $11.5 Million Brentwood Mansion

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Psyonix Founder Dave Hagewood Lands Luxury Brentwood Mansion at a Discount  By Dolores Quintana Video game designer and entrepreneur Dave...

Changing Economic Factors Impact Residential Permitting Approved In Los Angeles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

In The Midst of Affordable Housing Crisis, Number of Permits Approved Drops By Dolores Quintana It is generally agreed that...

VP Kamala Harris Faces Pro-Palestinian Protest During Biden Fundraiser in Brentwood

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Demonstrators Rally Outside Brentwood Event, and Cause Internal Disruption By Dolores Quintana Vice President Kamala Harris returned to Los Angeles...

Additional Free At-Home COVID Tests Now Available From U.S Government

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Get Up to 8 Tests at No Cost, Rapid Results, Easy Access, and Free Shipping By Dolores Quintana In an...

Unexplained Dog Respiratory Illness Sparks Public Health Investigation in Los Angeles County

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) Prompts Urgent Measures By Dolores Quintana Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Veterinary...

(Video) The Reimagined 1212 Santa Monica On Third Street Promenade

November 22, 2023

November 22, 2023

 New American Italian Ristorante Featuring New Executive Chef Oliver Malmsten, All New Menu, Italian-Inspired Cocktails and Discoteca. @brentwoodnewsla The Reimagined...

Telefèric Barcelona’s El Merkat Grand Opening Giveaway Is Happening Now

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Giveaway Offers Exclusive Spanish Wine & Cheese Experience By Dolores Quintana If you love wine and cheese, especially Spanish wine...

Spread Holiday Cheer: Volunteer or Donate to Charitable Annual Efforts in Los Angeles

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Gobble Gobble Give, Pink Taco, and PATH  Feed the Homeless on Thanksgiving By Dolores Quintana More than one charitable organization...

Thanksgiving Dinner and Shopping Options: What Stores and Restaurants Will Be Open on the Holiday

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Explore the Options for Open Stores and Restaurants on Thanksgiving Day By Dolores Quintana Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday, but...

(Video) Christmas Tree Lights Up on Promenade

November 20, 2023

November 20, 2023

Christmas festivities are underway in downtown Santa Monica This video is brought to you by Santa Monica Place. @brentwoodnewsla The holidays...