The Contra Costa County Superior Court has announced a revised bail schedule and new pre-arraignment release protocols that will take effect July 8, 2026, marking a significant change in how certain criminal defendants are released before their first court appearance.
Under the new system, some people arrested for non-violent, non-serious felony and misdemeanor offenses may be released without having to post bail. The court’s newly adopted Pre-Arraignment Release Protocol (PARP) establishes guidelines for determining whether eligible arrestees can be released before arraignment either through a citation at the time of arrest or after being booked into custody.
The court said the revised schedule was developed over several months in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and other justice system partners. According to the court, the purpose of bail is to ensure defendants appear in court while also protecting public safety and crime victims.
The new protocol creates two categories for eligible arrestees. Those classified as “Cite and Release” will be released at the time of arrest on their own recognizance with a promise to appear in court. Others designated as “Book and Release” will be released after being booked at a police station or other facility. Neither group will be required to post bail before release.
The court emphasized that the changes do not apply to individuals arrested for serious or violent crimes. Those offenses remain ineligible for pre-arraignment release under the new protocol. People arrested for serious or violent felonies may still post bail as allowed by law but cannot be released through the new cite-and-release or book-and-release procedures. Individuals on felony probation, parole, post-release community supervision, or mandatory supervision at the time of arrest are also excluded.
The revised policy reflects recent California Supreme Court rulings that have found it unconstitutional to base pretrial release solely on a defendant’s ability to afford bail. The court noted that judges must consider public safety risks, the seriousness of the alleged offense, criminal history, and the likelihood a defendant will return to court when determining release conditions.
Judges will continue to review release conditions at arraignment and retain discretion to set bail or impose other conditions they determine are necessary to protect public safety and ensure defendants return for future court proceedings.
What is defined as serious and non-violent? I bet we would be extremely unhappy if that was communicated …. this is what happens wen Newsom closes jail & prisons and turns San Quentin into a knitting center and yoga classroom
An how much input was there from DA’s office ? ? ?
Are existing or proposed changes in policies in line with
Federal Court procedures ? ?
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An when “a person known to law enforcement” escalates their level
of violence onto an unsuspecting member of society with resultant
maiming or killing be classified as an, Oopsie ? ? ? ?
.
CA liberal democrats have been on a concerted effort for years to reduce
number of incarcerated persons both at state and local levels. Combine
that with $950 and it’s free and making personal illegal drug use only a
misdemeanor. Encourages property crime as a method to maintain
a drug addiction.
.
A clear indication of the effectiveness of liberal criminal policies is easily
observed, Grand Jury recommends Jail closures, state’s closure of prisons
indicates those in charge prefer criminals out on OUR streets, being
predacious upon society
.
As a society, choice is simple, lock up criminals or lock up merchandise.
.
If there is no threat of substantial incarceration,
there is no deterrence to criminal behavior
.
Don’t ya just love, being a lab rat for liberals to experiment on . . . . . .
It is classified as a Felony for a reason…A Felony should have some Bail applied..
Some!?! it should have enough to keep said criminal off the streets and away from society.
CoCo DA
Gee what could possibly go wrong this is completely unacceptable!
No kidding. They’re talking about releasing arrestees before they’ve even been arrested. Good grief.