Crime & Safety
Santa Clara Superior Court Extends Zero Bail Until September
Santa Clara County officials extended the zero bail requirement, intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 in jails, as cases rise again.
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) — With new COVID-19 cases on the rise again, Santa Clara County court officials announced Wednesday they were extending the zero bail requirements for residents accused of lower level crimes to at least until Sept. 1.
Earlier this month, the Judicial Council of California voted to end the zero bail policy it established which set presumptive bail at $0 for people accused of lower-level crimes to curb the spread of COVID-19 in jails and surrounding communities. State court officials said counties could now determine for themselves if the policy needed to remain on place.
“The Judicial Council’s action better reflects the current needs of our state, which has different health concerns and restrictions county-to-county based on the threat posed by COVID-19,” said Justice Marsha Slough, a Judicial Council member and chair of the Executive and Planning Committee.