WOODLAND, Calif. — During a bail reduction hearing Nov. 10 in Yolo County Superior Court, Judge Clara Levers reduced bail from $10,000 to $500 for a man accused of robbery after the defense argued that bail must be set at an amount the accused could realistically afford.
The accused faces a second-degree robbery charge involving the alleged theft of a gold chain described as a family heirloom, along with an enhancement related to threats against the alleged victim.
Levers noted that the accused had failed to appear for a preliminary hearing following his release on July 1 and had outstanding warrants in San Joaquin and Solano counties, among other jurisdictions. She also cited multiple prior arrests for theft from a person and an outstanding no-bail misdemeanor warrant.
Deputy Public Defender Aram Davtyan argued that the accused did not qualify for pretrial detention. He explained that the accused lived with his mother and had a child to support.
Davtyan also said the accused had “misconceptions” about the court system that made him reluctant to appear, offering that as an explanation for his previous failure to appear.
Deputy District Attorney Aimee McLeod opposed reducing bail, citing the accused’s prior criminal record and the circumstances of the alleged robbery.
McLeod said the accused approached the alleged victim while he was with his wife and child and asked whether he wanted to die.
Citing the alleged threats and the nature of the charge, McLeod stated, “I do believe he is a danger to the public,” arguing that she did not see any nonfinancial conditions that would adequately protect public safety.
McLeod also challenged the defense’s explanation that transportation difficulties had contributed to the accused’s failure to appear in court.
She argued that the accused “has no trouble picking up offenses in multiple counties for someone who doesn’t have transportation.”
McLeod further questioned whether the accused was unable to afford bail, pointing to his responsibility for supporting his child as an indication that he had access to some financial resources.
Davtyan disputed that reasoning, explaining that the accused lacked the financial means to post bail and was living with his mother, who also could not afford the amount.
He argued that the accused’s ability to provide some support for his child did not establish that he could afford the bail imposed by the court.
Davtyan emphasized that bail must be set at an amount the particular accused person could realistically pay.
“Reachability can’t be abstract,” Davtyan stated.
Levers ultimately reduced bail from $10,000 to $500 but denied the request for release on his own recognizance, citing the accused’s previous history.
The accused was remanded to the custody of the sheriff. A prehearing conference was scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m., with McLeod emphasizing that the accused must appear in person.
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