41% of those released on $0 Bail have been rearrested at least once
(Woodland, CA) – March 1, 2021 –As a result of Yolo County Superior Court’s continued use of $0 bail, over 744 new crimes have been committed. In April of 2020, the California Judicial Council imposed the “$0” Emergency Bail Schedule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although rescinded in June of 2020, the Yolo County Superior Court continues to use the Emergency Bail Schedule. Court officials indicated the Emergency Bail Schedule will remain in effect until the pandemic ends.
Since April 13, 2020, individuals released on $0 bail have committed over 744 new crimes. Those new crimes include 317 felonies and 427 misdemeanors, including crimes such as Attempted Murder (2 new victims), Assault with a Deadly Weapon or Assault by Means of Force Likely to Product Great Bodily Injury (19 new victims), Robbery (10 new victims), Burglary (45 new victims), felony domestic violence (12 new victims), possession of an assault weapon, gang crimes, and dozens of other new felony and misdemeanor crimes. Since the COVID 19 pandemic began, 485 individuals have been released a total 623 times on $0 bail. Of those released on $0 bail, 41% have been rearrested at least one time, the highest percentage thus far during the $0 bail period.
The Emergency Bail Schedule simply looks at the arresting offense and releases individuals on $0 bail, even those on probation or parole, without conducting a risk assessment for dangerousness. Additionally, upon release on $0 bail, offenders are given a court date 4-5 months in the future. This makes it nearly impossible to assess those individuals who are homeless, suffer from a substance use disorder, or from a serious mental illness in order to enroll them into one of the county’s diversion programs such as mental health court or addiction intervention court.
The problems with the continued use of the $0 bail schedule are easily seen in the multiple arrests of Jose Inda-Lopez. Inda-Lopez, 37, of Davis, has been arrested 17 times since his April 17, 2020 arrest for felony vehicle theft. He was released on $0 bail. Since then, Inda-Lopez has been arrested 10 additional times. Inda-Lopez was charged in 11 separate misdemeanor and felony complaints including felony vehicle theft, felony vandalism, possession of a concealed dirk or dagger, theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing, and lewd conduct in public. On December 11, 2020, he entered no contest pleas in three cases, one felony and two misdemeanors. Additionally, he admitted violations of probation in two additional misdemeanors. At the time of his plea, Inda-Lopez had credit for time served and was released the same day. Since December 11, 2020, he has been arrested six times, four of the arrests within six days of each other.
The continued use of the Emergency Bail Schedule is determined by the Yolo County Superior Court and is solely within their discretion. Anyone with concerns about the ongoing use of the Emergency Bail Scheduled should contact the Yolo County Superior Court.
###
