Post shows list of exceptions to LA's zero bail policy, not qualifying crimes | Fact check
Hannah HudnallThe claim: Image shows list of crimes where perpetrators would be set free in LA
A May 24 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a list of crimes, including human trafficking and sexual battery.
"This is a list of bon (sic) violent crimes in LA that peiple (sic) will be set free on as of today, what are your thoughts," reads the post's caption.
The post garnered more than 300 likes in five days.
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Our rating: False
The crimes listed in the post are the opposite of what the user claims – they are exceptions to Los Angeles' zero bail policy.
Post lists exclusions to LA's zero bail policy
California first introduced a zero bail policy for low-level, nonviolent crimes in early 2020 to limit overcrowding in jails and the spread of COVID-19, according to KTLA. It meant those offenders could be released without posting any bail money.
After the policy expired state-wide in June of that year, LA County chose to extend the policy until July 1, 2022.
LA County Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff issued a preliminary injunction reinstating the policy on May 16 in response to a class-action lawsuit. Riff's ruling prohibits the LA County Sheriff's Department and the City of LA Police Department from requiring cash bail for the release of people who commit these non-violent crimes.
The crimes shown in the post don't qualify for zero bail, however. Instead, they're listed under "felony exceptions," meaning they are exceptions to the policy, and perpetrators of the crimes would still need to post bail.
There is also a list of misdemeanor exceptions in the document.
The policy says bail for the felonies listed would be set by a bench officer using the 2020 Felony Bail Schedule as a guide, factoring in the nature of the case, the risk to public safety and the goal of reducing the jail population.
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The LA County Sheriff's Department published a statement May 24, the day the policy began being enforced, saying the modification would not apply to crimes of "violence, sexual offenses, domestic violence and offenses involving weapons."
It also says repeat offenders will be subject to bail.
The policy will remain in effect for 60 days to allow LA officials to develop "concrete, enforceable and administrable plans and procedures," according to the document.
USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
The claim has also been debunked by PolitiFact.
Our fact-check sources:
- Superior Court of California County of LA, May 16, 23.05.16 Urquidi Zero Bail PI Order
- Superior Court of California County of LA (web archive), Nov. 11, 2020, 2020 Felony Bail Schedule
- LA County Sheriff's Department, May 24, LASD DEVELOPS NEW CUSTODY BAIL PROCEDURE FOLLOWING LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT RULING ON BAIL SCHEDULE
- LA Police Department, Aug. 2, 2022, Los Angeles County “Zero Bail” Policy Coming to an End NR22220rc
- KTLA, May 24, Zero-bail policy reinstated in Los Angeles County
- KTLA, June 19, 2020, L.A. County to keep emergency $0 bail in place after statewide order expires
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