Santa Rita Jail starts releasing non-violent inmates waiting for trial

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From the Mercury News:

DUBLIN — In response to the spreading coronavirus pandemic, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office released 67 non-violent inmates awaiting trial from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin late Tuesday, authorities said.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Ray Kelly said Wednesday a judge released the inmates on their own recognizance in a bid to reduce the jail population. The inmates had to promise to make their court dates and not commit any crimes while out of custody.

Read entire article below:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/18/east-bay-jail-looks-to-reduce-jail-population-by-keeping-only-violent-criminals/

I have a buddy in there for a non-violent drug offense waiting for trial. Hoping he's one of the lucky ones.

Weirdly, they seem to have cancelled video visits as of this weekend, but they can still use the phone.


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Just asked a lawyer familiar with the situation, he says that only state inmates are being released.