Los Angeles Superior Court
New Bail Schedules
Effective October1, 2023
Los Angeles Superior Court
New Bail Schedules
Effective October 1, 2023
New Bail Schedules
Effective October 1st, 2023, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County implemented new Pre-Arraignment Release Protocols to prioritize public safety by focusing on risk to community safety while reducing reliance on money bail.
The Los Angeles Superior Court’s July 18, 2023 News Release provides additional information.
“A person’s ability to pay a large sum of money should not be the determining factor in deciding whether that person, who is presumed innocent, stays in jail before trial or is released. Any determination of an arrestee’s status after arrest but before being charged should be based on an individualized determination of risk and likelihood to return to court.” – Presiding Judge Jessner.
The Criminal Court provides online access to resources and document related to Misdemeanor and Felony Bail Schedules – Bail Schedules.
Who is impacted
People charged with nonviolent, non-serious felonies and misdemeanors.
What Change will people see
For misdemeanors and non-violent felonies only, rather than an amount of money bail to secure release, the bail schedule will list one of three actions – Cite and Release (CR), Book and Release (BR), and Magistrate Review (MR).
People arrested for certain crimes that pose a greater risk to the public will be referred to Magistrate Review (MR), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who will exercise discretion by conducting individualized determinations of the appropriate non-financial pre-arraignment release terms and conditions of the arrestee necessary to reduce the risk to the public and victim safety and the likelihood of the arrestee returning to court.
People arrested for serious and/or violent misdemeanors and felonies (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, murder offenses) are not eligible for non-financial terms of release prior to arraignment pursuant to Penal Code section 1270.1 but will remain eligible for release only on monetary bail.
People charged with capital offenses or certain felonies designated in the California Constitution and Penal Code section 1270.5 will remain ineligible for pre-arraignment release.
People arrested for felonies while on Post-Release Community Supervision or while on Parole will not be eligible for CR or BR and will be referred for MR.
More Resources from the Los Angeles Superior Court
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Arraignment Release Protocols