September 13, 2023

New Set of Bail Schedules
to Begin in October

Police Forced to Release Nearly All Theft and Vehicle Burglary Suspects With a Citation Due to New Policy

On July 18, 2023, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County approved a new set of bail schedules for suspects arrested in non-violent felonies and misdemeanor crimes. The new bail schedule, slated to take effect in L.A. County on October 1, 2023, will dictate one of three possible actions by the El Segundo Police Department for an arrestee’s release: cite and release (CR), book and release (BR) or magistrate review (MR). Capital offenses such as murder with special circumstances and limited felonies are not eligible for pre-arraignment, zero bail release.

The Sheriff’s Department and all Police Departments in the County must comply with this protocol.

The newly approved release protocols will replace the traditional bail schedules. Instead of assigning money bail amounts to non-violent felonies and misdemeanors, a majority of arrestees will now be released at the location of the arrest (CR) or booked in jail, and then released on their own recognizance with a citation for a future court date (BR). In some cases, suspects arrested for certain crimes which pose an increased risk to the public will be referred to an on-call magistrate, who will have discretion to determine the appropriate release terms and conditions (MR). Some examples of release conditions by a magistrate may include prohibitions against committing crimes, sending text messages to remind the arrestee to appear in court, and visits with court staff.

As a result of these new release terms, the El Segundo Police Department must cite and release or book and release arrestees in nearly all theft offenses, vehicle code violations, and crimes against property such as petty theft, and vandalism. Offenses involving guns, sexual battery, crimes against children/elders and contact with minors with intent to commit a sexual offense are examples of offenses subject to magistrate review. Magistrates will consider the crime and a risk assessment report to determine whether the arrestee should be released with no conditions or determine the least restrictive, non-financial conditions intended to address whether the arrestee is likely to return to court. All offenses in the MR category are designated as zero bail offenses.

As an example of this change, a person arrested for false imprisonment under this new protocol would be eligible for BR. Under the previous bail schedule, their bail amount would be $50,000. Likewise, a person arrested for theft of an automobile is eligible for BR, while under the previous bail schedule, their bail amount would be $35,000.

This represents a significant change in protocols for all law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. The El Segundo Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of our community. We will continue to work within the processes set forth by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, and as a profession, make recommendations for improvement at every opportunity.

Public concerns related to the new Zero Bail Release protocols should be directed to publicinfo@lacourt.org.