Mass Case Dismissals in Riverside County

Please watch and share this important message from DA Mike Hestrin regarding the crisis in our courts of mass dismissals of criminal cases due to COVID-19.

After the COVID-19 forced lockdowns, we currently have a backlog of almost 2,800 criminal cases. Last week, Riverside County judges chose to dismiss more than two hundred criminal matters for lack of an available courtrooms to try cases. This situation is unsustainable and constitutes a danger to the public.

The vast majority of these dismissals have been domestic violence cases, felony and misdemeanor. When a judge dismisses a domestic violence case, they also terminate the victim’s criminal protective order. This is nothing less than injustice and a disservice to the victims. Our office is dedicated to keeping the community informed about this public safety crisis.

If you are a victim of crime in need of services, our Division of Victim Services is here to help. Please call (951) 955-5450 or toll-free at (866) 217-3766.