AB 791: Postconviction bail.

Existing law requires a defendant out on bail, if a verdict is rendered against them, to be committed to the custody of the county to await judgment of the court upon the verdict, unless the court concludes that various factors, including the protection of the public and the probability of the defendant failing to appear, support a decision to allow the defendant to remain out on bail. Existing law gives a defendant convicted of an offense who has made an application for probation or who has appealed a right to be admitted to bail in misdemeanor or infraction cases. Existing law authorizes the court to admit a defendant convicted of an offense not punishable with death to bail in all other cases.

This bill would prohibit a person convicted of an offense punishable by life without the possibility of parole from being released on bail. By requiring county jails to hold additional defendants, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.