Every day, Riverside County violates the Constitution by confining individuals in jail based solely on their inability to pay arbitrary, pre-set bail amounts. The individuals have not been convicted of any crimes, are presumed innocent, have not been deemed too dangerous to release, and are not yet represented by counsel. Yet Riverside County incarcerates them simply because they are too poor to pay the pre-set bail amounts. As a result, these individuals remain in jail until their first court hearing, which for no good reason often does not occur until four or five days after their arrest. California courts have repeatedly found this practice patently unconstitutional.
On May 28, 2025, HSRD joined with co-counsel in filing a class action lawsuit against Riverside County Superior Court, Riverside County, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Chad Bianco challenging these unconscionable and unconstitutional practices.
The Plaintiffs in this case include individuals subjected to unconstitutional wealth-based detention and faith leaders who oppose such practices.
Read press coverage here:
- LA Times: Civil rights groups sue to end cash bail in Riverside County, alleging dangerous jail conditions
- The Press-Enterprise: Civil rights groups sue Riverside County, claiming bail system targets those ‘too poor to purchase their freedom’
Read the press release here.
Read the complaint here.