Aaron Miller-
Child abuse offenders are being released under California’s new $0 cash bail emergency mandate, The Eye Of Media.Com has learnt. The new mandate was implemented after California’s Judicial Council issued an emergency rule ordering all misdemeanors and some low-level felonies to have cash bail set at zero, with 13 exceptions for serious and violent felonies.
The decision has led to mixed feelings among residents of Los Angeles, with some in agreement with any steps taken to restrict the spread of Covid-19, and others appalled by the outcome of the decision. Supporters of the rule believe extra measures will be taken to monitor child abusers allowed out under these emergency measures, but critics reject any explanation that justifies the decision.
The Judicial Council of California which last week set the bail for people accused of certain misdemeanor and felony offences at $0 said the rule applies to both new arrestees and people already in custody. Council said in a statement the rule was made because it would “safely reduce jail populations” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The rule has been established as a measure to limit the impact of concentrated outbreaks of COVID-19 cases in U.S prisons as authorities struggle to cope with the spread of the virus. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reported that 51 inmates and 22 members at a state prison in Chino have tested positive for the coronavirus.
“In developing these rules, we listened to suggestions from our justice system partners, the public, and the courts, and we greatly appreciate all of the input,” Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the Council said. “Working with our court stakeholders, I’m confident we can preserve the rule of law and protect the rights of victims, the accused, litigants, families and children, and all who seek justice. It’s truly a team effort.”
Sheriff Mcmahon said there had recently been 6 people arrested on felonies and were released on zero bail.” Mr Mcmahon said he has had to include a repeat felony child abuser on his release list because child abuse inexplicably does not appear on the state’s list of exemption for zero cash bail.
Felony child abuse has not been mentioned among the list of serious and violent felonies which form 13 exceptions for serious a d violent felonies who should remain in jail.
“We’ve already started releasing those fresh arrests that weren’t on the list of 13,” McMahon said. “The first night into Tuesday morning, there were 6 people arrested on felonies and were released on zero bail.”
We had this guy who had a prior for domestic violence conviction for child abuse. He gets arrested for child abuse again, and then he gets released on zero bail with a court date in July,” McMahon said. “So that just doesn’t make any sense to me, maybe I’m missing something, but that doesn’t seem to me to be the right thing to do to protect the citizens of our county. If that person is in our custody, we can protect the victim, if he’s not, we can’t.”
”When you think that about 500 inmates are now eligible for zero cash bail, including some with serious previous felony convictions who judges previously denied bail, you realise how dangerous and misguided this guidance is”