More LA cities join lawsuit to halt new zero bail policy

LA County Zero BailPhoto byniu niuonUnsplash

Multiple cities in Los Angeles County have filed an injunction to halt the new zero-bail policy that took effect on October 1, 2023.

The cities, include Whittier, Santa Clarita, Glendora, Beverly Hills, Azusa, San Dimas, Palmdale, Covina, Downey, Artesia., Lakewood, Santa Fe Springs, City of industry, Arcadia, Vernon, Santa Monica and LaVerne.

Jonathan Hatami, a Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney and 2024 rival of D.A George Gascon announced on X (formerly known as Twitter), the cohort of municipalities would come together in the lawsuit:

“The Santa Clarita (my city) City Council voted 5-0 to join the beautiful City of Whittier in a lawsuit seeking an injunction regarding LA County’s new $0 bail policy. Thank you Santa Clarita! All of us have a right to public safety. That’s a human right. Cities, communities, victims and all Angelenos should get a say in any decisions regarding the safety of their children, families and communities”.

The zero-bail policy eliminates the existing cash bail system for all but the most serious of crimes.

Under the new policy, defendants who are arrested for misdemeanors and certain non-violent felonies will be cited and released or if arrested, will be released from jail without having to pay bail.

The cities suing for injunctive relief argue that the zero bail policy is poorly conceived and will have a number of negative consequences for public safety.