Column misinterpreted Los Angeles DA Gascón’s policy directive on bail

Jeffrey Clayton's Dec. 22 column, "Gascón lacks authority to end cash bail," grossly misinterpreted District Attorney George Gascón's policy directive.

Although it is true that Gascón does not have the authority to change the law, he is authorized to set the policy of the district attorney's office regarding the circumstances under which deputies employed by the office will recommend or oppose releasing a prisoner on his own recognizance. Indeed, the district attorney's directive clearly states that its purpose is to outline "new policies and protocols that will guide our recommendations for pretrial release and the use of cash bail." Nothing in the guidelines professes to eliminate any existing law. Moreover, the guidelines included in the directive are no different than the logical considerations that have guided a decision to recommend or oppose pre-trial release in the 37 years that I have been employed as a Los Angeles deputy district attorney. The fact that the bail industry's profit margin is not included as a consideration is neither ignorance nor arrogance.

-- Ana Maria Lopez

Deputy District Attorney

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office