Gang Members Could Be Denied Bail Under New Bill

Legislation to crackdown on gang activity is advancing toward law. The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, would require that the court, in making bail determinations, consider whether the defendant is a member of a gang.

“The prosecutor would have opportunity to present evidence, and if that evidence is substantial, the judge would have to take that into consideration and even not issue bail, if appropriate” said Caputo (D-Essex). “This is an unusual remedy to unusual circumstances, but the fact is that the gang problem is so severe.”

Current law does provide for the court to elect, for good cause shown, to impose a higher bail, but requires the court to place on the record its reasons for imposing bail in an amount exceeding $2,500.

Under this bill, these bail limitations would not apply if the court finds a reasonable basis to believe that a defendant is a member of a “criminal street gang” or has committed a crime of “gang criminality.”

“When gang members have been before the court before, and it’s been documented that they are gang members, the judge has to have some kind of power to keep that person incarcerated to protect public safety,” Caputo said.

The bill was released by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. TLS.

This content, and any other content on TLS, may not be republished or reproduced without prior permission from TLS. Copying or reproducing our content is both against the law and against Halacha. To inquire about using our content, including videos or photos, email us at [email protected].

Stay up to date with our news alerts by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

**Click here to join over 20,000 receiving our Whatsapp Status updates!**

**Click here to join the official TLS WhatsApp Community!**

Got a news tip? Email us at [email protected], Text 415-857-2667, or WhatsApp 609-661-8668.

3 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.