Court Watch: Court Delays Domestic Violence Trial, Releases Accused on Own Recognizance
Judge Catherine Hohenwarter released a man on his own recognizance due to the unavailability of a critical witness, and the trial was moved to May 2026.
Court Denies Motion for Pretrial Release Without Financial Terms, Citing Public Safety Risk
The accused was denied pretrial release without bail due to public safety concerns, as the prosecution argued that she had access to unregistered and illegally obtained firearms and had participated in a conspiracy to commit murder.
Court Watch: Accused’s Pretrial Release Denied, Sacramento Warrants Block Treatment
Judge Stephen J. Mock denied a request for pretrial release, citing the accused’s prior convictions, despite the defense’s argument that pretrial release would allow the accused to receive inpatient treatment by addressing the Sacramento warrants.
Court Watch: DA Pushes for Custody and Fees Despite Nonviolent Charges, Judge Orders Release
The court granted pretrial release to the accused with a no-contact order and randomized alcohol testing, but did not require the costly SCRAM monitoring device, citing the accused’s lack of income.
Court Watch: Judge Doubts Arrest’s Validity, Frees Unhoused Man after 156 Days in Jail
After spending 156 days in jail on misdemeanor charges, an unhoused man was released to pretrial services after his attorney argued that the arrest was made without credible cause.
Court Watch: Judge Grants Release Despite Prosecutor’s Objections, Citing Mental Illness
Judge Giza granted ROR to a man in a mental health diversion program, with the condition that he refrain from drinking, after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution regarding his homelessness, mental illness, and public intoxication.
Court Watch: Judge Denies Release to Man with Broken Ribs, Fractured Hip
Judge Gerardo C. Sandoval denied pretrial release to a man facing three felony charges due to his physical state and the District Attorney’s argument that he is a danger to society.
DA Jenkins Criticizes Judge for Pretrial Release in Drug Case, Raising More Concerns about Judicial Independence
Once again, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is loudly complaining about a judge’s ruling—this time after…
Guest Commentary: U.S. District Judge Nunley’s Ruling in Favor of ‘Ability-to-Pay’ Bail Didn’t Go Far Enough
Sacramento County’s Broken Jailing System Continues to Violate Human Rights by the Justice2Jobs Coalition Sacramento, CA. On…
Early Intervention by Public Defenders Offers Improved Outcomes for Clients, California Policy Lab Study Found
By David M. Greenwald Executive Editor Santa Clara, CA – Last week the California Policy Lab in…
Defense Claims Prosecution Made ‘Inappropriate Threat’ to Client in Court
By Leila Katibah SANTA BARBARA, CA – During a pretrial conference Wednesday morning, a prosecutor denied he…
Monday Morning Thoughts: LA Provides Better Analysis and a Different Conclusion than Yolo in their Pre-Trial Release Report
By David M. Greenwald Executive Editor As the Vanguard reported over the last few weeks, the Yolo…
ACLU Files Lawsuit Challenging SF Sheriff’s Unconstitutional Search and Surveillance Conditions for Pretrial Electronic Monitoring
Special to the Vanguard San Francisco, CA – As a matter of U.S. and California constitutional law,…
$100,000 Bail for Man with Prior Vehicular Manslaughter Conviction that Judge Called ‘Wake-Up Call’
By Kate Hsu VENTURA, CA – Gerardo Arreola appeared before Judge Nancy L. Ayres in Ventura County…
Woman’s Pretrial Release Revoked after Bar Incident, Taken Straight to Jail to Await Trial
By Brandon Blanco, Helen Greenia, Gwynneth Redemann, & Koda Slingluff SACRAMENTO, CA — A woman awaiting trial…
Balancing Act: Providing Man Substance Abuse Treatment, and Ensuring Public Safety
By Alex Jimenez ALAMEDA, CA- Factoring in an accused’s long-standing criminal history of substance abuse, the courts…
Judge Denies Request for Defendant’s Pretrial Release, Overrules Recommendation from Pretrial Services
By Joseph Shepard SANTA BARBARA, CA – Despite a recommendation from pretrial services, a defendant was denied…
Prosecutors and Sheriff Talk about Decarceration during the COVID Pandemic
On Friday, the Pretrial Justice Institute Hosted a discussion on the role of the prosecutor and sheriff…
Report Finds Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Study of Criminal Case Outcomes
Civil rights advocates have long accused the criminal justice system of having bias against people of color,…