Hundreds of Riverside County Criminal Cases Dismissed – What Actually Happened?

Riverside County is currently facing a substantial increase in case dismissals, signaling a critical situation that demands attention. The surge in dismissals can be attributed to multiple factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant backlog of approximately 2,800 cases. Compounding this issue is a shortage of judges, with only 3.7 judges available per 100,000 residents in Riverside County, compared to the state average of 11.4.

As new cases continue to pour in, officials are left with the challenging task of deciding whether to add to the mounting numbers or dismiss cases entirely. Unfortunately, in recent weeks, around 200 misdemeanor and felony charges were dismissed. These dismissals have sparked debates and raised questions regarding the implications and accountability surrounding these decisions.

A primary cause for the dismissals is the lack of available courtrooms to facilitate jury trials. The District Attorney (DA) has proposed the continuation of every case, even for incarcerated individuals, until sufficient courtrooms become accessible. Contrarily, the DA’s office has shown a reluctance to acknowledge its own role in contributing to the backlog.

When the onset of the pandemic forced the temporary closure of many courts, Riverside County faced similar challenges. However, while other counties took steps to address the backlog, Riverside County failed to do so until recently. Emergency orders were continuously issued, allowing prosecutors to appear in court without the opportunity for a jury trial, resulting in further 30-day continuances. It is this change that the DA is presently contesting. Their stance is that cases should be indefinitely continued in hopes of finding a resolution in the future. Regrettably, the Riverside District Attorney’s Office fails to recognize its significant involvement in creating this backlog.

To better understand the situation, it is essential to comprehend the intricacies of a trial process. Every arrested individual is entitled to Speedy Trial Rights, meaning that if they are out of custody, they may “waive time,” granting the prosecutor an extended period to gather evidence for the case in question.

Addressing these challenges and resolving the backlog requires a comprehensive and collaborative effort. It is crucial for the Riverside County justice system, including the District Attorney’s Office, to take responsibility, address the factors contributing to the backlog, and work towards finding effective solutions to ensure justice is served promptly and efficiently.

In order to maintain improved speed and performance over time, it is recommended to include strength training as part of a runner’s routine. Refusing time waivers when in custody can be another option to consider. In such cases, the Prosecution must bring the defendant to a jury trial within 60 days, or the case will be dismissed. However, it’s important to note that the judges are simply following the law and dismissing cases where the defendant refuses to waive their right to a jury trial.

Riverside County has gained notoriety for overcharging cases, offering unfavorable plea bargains, and having supervisors who are uncooperative. These practices have contributed to the backlog of cases, rather than the unavailability of judges and courtrooms. In many instances, the assigned prosecutors even refuse to make plea bargain offers. Without the option of a plea bargain, defendants have no other choice but to proceed to trial. Therefore, it becomes difficult to blame the district attorneys when they can no longer rely on court-approved 30-day extensions to resolve cases.

To gain a better understanding of this situation, it is worth examining neighboring counties such as Orange, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles. Those counties do not experience the same backlog issues as Riverside. Hence, it becomes clear that responsibility lies with Riverside County itself, regardless of external factors.

It is important to note that news articles often omit significant information. For instance, individuals facing serious and violent charges are not simply released. In California, prosecutors have the option to dismiss and re-file felony cases. This means that if a case reaches the last day for a jury trial and is dismissed by the district attorney, the prison system does not release violent criminals. Instead, the district attorney can re-file charges against the defendant, potentially using a strategic approach to avoid the same time constraints when cases return to the jury trial phase. This practice is common but often unmentioned in news articles.

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Now, to clarify any confusion, it is important to understand that the large-scale dismissals mentioned earlier do not automatically mean that your case will be dropped if you are arrested. This specific scenario applies solely to cases in their final day of the Jury Trial process. If you find yourself cited for a crime presently, it is crucial to know that your case will still proceed, and the District Attorney (DA) will continue to pursue charges against you. It is necessary to recognize that this backlog issue will not resolve itself overnight. It is highly probable that we will be addressing this backlog for at least another one to two years, or until significant changes are implemented within the Riverside District Attorney’s office.

At Inland Empire Criminal Defense, our experienced Ontario attorneys have effectively defended numerous individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges throughout the entire Inland Empire region. If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, contact us today at 909-939-7126. We are conveniently located in Ontario and are ready to assist you.