Governor Signs ‘Smash and Grab’ Bill – Pushing Stronger Felony Sentences For Large-Scale Theft
Sacramento, CA – On Thursday, Governor Newsom signed the final bill to complete California’s landmark legislative package…
COURT WATCH: Judge Imposes Jail and Fine in Burbank Petty Theft Case Amid Legal Complications
By Kayla Betulius BURBANK, CA – An accused was sentenced here in Los Angeles County Superior Court…
Accused Unable to Assert Right to Speedy Trial, Defense Claims – Judge Disagrees
By Julie McCaffrey WOODLAND, CA – This week in a Yolo County Superior Court, the defense argued…
Homeless Defendant Struggles to Appear to Court on Time from Out of Town – Judge Ignores Problems Moving Forward
By Gracy Joslin WOODLAND, CA – Yolo County Superior Court Judge Peter Williams rejected the request for…
Man with Felonies and Misdemeanors Jailed on Low Bail He Probably Still Can’t Pay
By Jessica Weisman WOODLAND, CA – The accused—who his attorney said is unhoused and penniless—faced a host…
Woman Allegedly Threatened Security Guard with Pepper Spray during TJ Maxx Robbery; Judge Calms Down, Releases Accused from Jail with No Required Bail
By Anna Olsen ALAMEDA, CA – The accused was released on her own recognizance Monday morning here…
Homeless Woman Faces Petty Crimes, but Stuck on Waiting List for Project Roomkey – Judge Considers Releasing Her If Room Not Provided
By Oliver Camarena WOODLAND, CA – A homeless woman’s case—she’s facing 11 largely petty misdemeanor charges dating…
Homeless Defendant Held to Answer for Petty Theft of Snacks, Backpack, Bicycle, and Vandalism – Though He Returned Bike
By Sahaily Zazueta WOODLAND, CA – An unhoused man appeared in Yolo County Superior Court this week…
Man Allegedly Tossed Cement Block through Truck Window – Bail $11,000 for ‘Public Protection’ Over Defense Objections that Accused Has No $$
By Kate Hsu and Matthew Torres WOODLAND, CA – Despite Deputy Public Defender Jose Gonzalez requested reduced…
Judge Concedes to More Extensive Mental Health Program Demands as Accused Awaits Trial
By Gina Kim SANTA BARBARA, CA – Charged with violating an emergency protective order, manufacturing a ghost gun…
Guest Commentary: The State of Petty Theft
By Rory Fleming When Nikole Hannah-Jones of “1619 Project” fame saw the recent Associated Press story about…
Judge Decides Alleged Getaway Driver Wins Pretrial Release, Alleged Robber Back to Jail
By Simran Chahal SACRAMENTO, CA – A Sacramento County Superior Court pretrial hearing saw the release of…
Defendant on Pretrial Release at Risk of Being Sent Back to Jail If She Can’t Find a Program
By Marcia Barajas SANTA BARBARA, CA – Amelia A. Castellanos-Marshall needs a place to live Aug. 24,…
Releases without Bail Make Court Like Holidays – And Then ‘Dad’ Signs onto Zoom
By Alexander Ramirez WOODLAND, CA – Maybe it was a little bit like the holidays in July…
Analysis Raises Important Questions about Corporate Wage Theft v. Shoplifting
By Elina Lingappa SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Earlier this week, Adam Johnson authored a timely opinion piece…
‘But I Don’t Want to Be Guilty’ – Pregnant Defendant Coaxed to Take Plea to Be Released from Custody
By Dorrin Akbari SACRAMENTO, CA – Defendant Mya Montgomery struggled to understand the terms and implication of…
Alone in Court: Defendant Receives Lenient ‘Time-Served’ Ruling After Prosecution, Defense Lawyers Arrive Late to Hearing
By Dorrin Akbari and Sally Kim SACRAMENTO – Judge Patrick Marlette—citing COVID-19 as a factor in his…
Anxious Homeless Defendant Convinced Not to Cut an Early Deal
By Kelly Moran WOODLAND –– Nicole Cheree Van appeared for her arraignment in Dept. 1 of Yolo…
Defendant Found Sleeping with Stolen Adidas Shoes in Local Church Next Door to Burgled Store
By Alana Bleimann SACRAMENTO – Shone Lacey, accused of stealing $17 in cash, tennis shoes, and a…
Monday Morning Thoughts: Reisig, PPIC Study, and Racial Disparity in Criminal Legal System
Part of the defense offered by Yolo County DA Jeff Reisig, in face of criticism that Yolo…
