Zero Bail = More Crime

by · Published · Updated

A Los Angeles County decision to eliminate bail for those arrested for so-called “low level” felonies is proving to be a bonus for habitual criminals.  The no-bail policy was instituted in late March to reduce the jail population and protect inmates from the Covid-19 virus.  Richard Winton at the Los Angeles Times reports that the no-bail policy has turned the police department into a revolving door where criminals are arrested, charged then released after a few hours to commit another crime.  Over a three-week period in April, habitual felon Eric Medina was arrested and released four times for stealing cars.  In the first 30 days of the policy LAPD has arrested and released 213 criminals multiple times for felonies such as car theft, which is not considered an important crime worthy of time in jail unless, of course, it happens to be your car.

UPDATE:  On Thursday, Alameda County Judge Thomas Reardon released suspected double-rapist Gregory Vien from jail pending trial to protect him from Covid-19.  DNA evidence linked Vien to two rapes in 1997.   The judge relied upon an advisory from California’s Judicial Counsel which recommends zero bail for those arrested for non-violent offenses.  Apparently Judge Reardon considers rape a non-violent offense.

 

George Gascon, the former San Francisco District Attorney now running to unseat LA District Attorney Jackie Lacy, likes the no-bail program because it accomplishes his goal of keeping car thieves, drug dealers, commercial burglars and other criminals on the streets pending trial, rather than holding them in jail.  In a statement of support he asked “Does keeping huge numbers of people in custody on small-time offenses pose a greater threat to us all than letting them out?”  Yes George, it does.   But Gascon may become one of the the no-bail policy’s largest beneficiaries.  In 2016,  Governor Jerry Brown signed AB2416 into law.  That measure gives criminals sentenced to county jail after being convicted of a felony crime the right to vote. People on probation, or who have completed their prison sentence and any associated parole, are also eligible to vote.   Snappy campaign slogan:  “George Gascon, the felon’s choice for District Attorney.”