California Attorney General Takes Action: The Ongoing Crisis in LA County Jails
The California Attorney General recently filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County over jail conditions. The lawsuit, filed after failed negotiations, alleges that unconstitutional conditions in the nation’s largest jail system have contributed to more than 206 inmate deaths over four years.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process. Call Wallin & Klarich today toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for your free consultation with one of our appeals attorneys near you.
The Reality
The Attorney General’s investigation, which began in 2021, uncovered systematic failures including:
- Broken plumbing systems leaving inmates without basic sanitation
- Rodent infestations creating unsanitary and dangerous living conditions
- Spoiled food putting inmates’ health at risk
- Limited hygiene supplies in a system where cleanliness is essential for health
- Near-constant confinement that violates constitutional standards
- Critical delays in medical and mental health care that can prove fatal
Perhaps most troubling is that more than 40 percent of the 206 deaths were linked to preventable causes, including suicides, homicides, and overdoses. These aren’t just statistics—they represent real people whose lives could have been saved with proper care and humane conditions.
A Pattern of Resistance to Reform
Despite multiple lawsuits, consent decrees, and court orders describing jail conditions as a humanitarian crisis, meaningful change has not materialized. The contrast between LA County’s response and other jurisdictions is stark. Attorney General Bonta specifically highlighted how Torrance stepped up to address similar issues while “Los Angeles County has stood still. They’ve refused to meet even the most basic constitutional standards.”
Why This Matters for Criminal Defense
Given these documented conditions, our approach to criminal defense extends beyond the courtroom. We understand that keeping our clients out of LA County jails isn’t just about avoiding incarceration—it’s about protecting their health, safety, and basic human dignity. Our strategies include:
Aggressive Bail Advocacy: We fight for reasonable bail amounts and alternatives to custody, understanding that pretrial detention in these conditions can be devastating to our clients’ wellbeing.
Alternative Sentencing: When appropriate, we work to secure alternative sentencing options that keep clients in their communities rather than subjecting them to unconstitutional jail conditions.
Expedited Case Resolution: We work efficiently to resolve cases quickly when clients are in custody, minimizing their exposure to these dangerous and inhumane conditions.
Comprehensive Defense: We leave no stone unturned in building strong defenses, knowing that every day our clients spend in these facilities puts them at risk.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you are facing criminal charges, you need to contact an aggressive defense attorney to fight for your freedom. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped many clients ensure they receive a fair trial in their criminal defense cases. We know the most effective strategies to argue on your behalf, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
At Wallin & Klarich, we have offices all over Southern California: Irvine, Pasadena, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Torrance, Victorville, and Anaheim. Additionally, our law firm can handle many types of cases statewide.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney near you.
