In an effort to help prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 by reducing jail populations, the Ventura County Courts recently implemented a $0 bail system. Law enforcement has since seen an increase in criminal activity. At Ridley Defense, we can attest to this spike in criminal cases since the "zero bail" rule was initiated, as well as to an increase in defendants being released on bail. It is now being questioned whether or not this zero bail rule will continue.
“VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (VCLECC), a group of law enforcement agencies throughout Ventura County including municipal chiefs of police, sheriff and district attorney, has illustrated some serious, negative consequences occurring as a result of the recently approved $0 bail system for COVID-19. They, therefore, urge the Judicial Council to modify the zero bail rule in order to better protect the community.”
Source:
Brest, Jessica. (2020, May 8). Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee shows increase in crime as a result of COVID-19 ‘zero bail’. KEYT, Retrieved from https://keyt.com/news/crime/2020/05/08/ventura-county-law-enforcement-coordinating-committee-shows-increase-in-crime-as-a-result-of-covid-19-zero-bail/.