Plumas County Superior Court Judge William Abramson works with local law enforcement to revise pre-trial restrictions for people charged with crimes. He and District Attorney David Hollister recently met to create a new bail schedule tailored to Plumas County’s needs.
Officials involved include the California Highway Patrol, the county counsel’s office, and probation officers. State law requires updates to the bail schedule twice a year. In September, Abramson issued a schedule based on one from Los Angeles County. This version followed a California Supreme Court ruling that limits “unattainable bail,” aiming to keep Plumas County compliant with state law.
After receiving criticism from Hollister and Sheriff Chad Hermann, Abramson withdrew the September schedule in October. They said it risked public safety by letting most arrested people go without supervision. Abramson returned to a traditional bail and incarceration schedule updated in February.
The new bail schedule under development combines recent court rulings with Plumas County’s concerns. Abramson credited Hollister for suggesting this hybrid approach. Hollister expects the schedule to be lawful, safe, and sensible for the community.
The collaboration focuses on creating rules that fit Plumas County specifically, rather than following models from larger cities like Los Angeles or Sacramento. Abramson aims to finalize the new bail schedule by early next year.
