In response to a backlog causing delays in felony filings, Los Angeles County prosecutors have implemented a policy mandating the initiation of criminal complaints within one business day once an arrest warrant is sought. This policy was prompted by a case involving the murder of a 13-year-old boy, Oscar Omar Hernandez, where backlog concerns contributed to significant delays in charging the accused. Senior officials emphasized the critical nature of timely processing for violence and sexual assault cases, aiming to enhance public safety and accountability in the face of judicial inefficiencies.
"The urgency with which a case should be processed and filed is particularly great when the underlying conduct involves family violence or a sexual assault, including matters in which the accused is not in custody," Katz wrote.
"The backlog of thousands of pending cases in the D.A.'s office played a role in delaying charges against Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, 43, a once-revered North Hollywood soccer coach who now stands accused of murder in the death of one of his players."
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