NCJ Number
129007
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 48 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 43-44
Date Published
1991
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Early Disposition Program, a multiagency cooperative effort of the municipal criminal justice system in Los Angeles County that was developed as a response to prison overcrowding.
Abstract
The rationale of the program is based on the provision of case information at the time of the first arraignment. This expedites time and resources by immediate adjudication of those cases where it would benefit the defendant to plead guilty to the charges. Many of the cases in Los Angeles County involve narcotics trafficking, and, in order to plead guilty, a positive identification of the defendant and a signed copy of the crime laboratory report are required. The California Automated Fingerprint Identification System provides the identification, whereas the Sheriff's crime laboratory performs the analysis and provides a report within 24 hours. Then the District Attorney's office reviews the case and arraigns the defendant within the required 48 hours. Further implementation of the program requires cooperation of the prosecutors, public defenders, and judges. Benefits of the program are fewer court appearances, reduced inmate transportation requirements to and from the courts, and shorter time in custody for presentenced inmates.