Bill Backed by Vargas Signed by Governor

A San Diego lawmaker's bill that adds $100,000 to the bail of defendants who have previously failed to appear in court was signed into law today to Gov. Jerry Brown.

   The bill, carried by Sen. Juan Vargas, a Democrat whose district includes Coronado and the South Bay, was sponsored by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. It will become law on Jan. 1.

“This law will stop defendants from slipping out of custody and save
taxpayers thousands of dollars,” District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said in a news release. “Every time one of them posts bail and flees our jurisdiction prior to appearing in court, tax dollars are squandered.”

The cost to extradite a defendant ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on where they are finally apprehended, officials said.

According to officials, Senate Bill 291 forces defendants who are extradited to California to face charges to have $100,000 added to their original bail.

City News Service contributed to this story.