Osa Chad Masina, a USC Trojan Linebacker has had his bail reduced from $250,000 to $100,000 in a first-degree felony charges of r
ape and forcible sodomy case. Masina awaits trial in March in these charges which stem from an alleged sexual assault that occurred at a house party. Masina has been out of jail since September after posting bail. Through his attorney, Masina successfully argued for a reduction in the bail amount. The judge agreed that with added release conditions such as daily check-ins and random drug tests a bail reduction was appropriate. Masina’s attorney argued that the former Brighton High School football player is a low to moderate risk to both the victim and the community and that the original bail amount imposed a heavy burden on his family.
All defendants have the right to a bail review hearing. A bail review hearing allows the defendant or their attorney to present arguments in favor of reducing the original bail amount. Many times a judge will consider things such as financial burden to the defendant or their family and whether the defendant poses a flight risk when deciding whether to reduce the overall bail amount. A prosecutor can also ask that the bail be reviewed or can oppose the defense’s request to reduce or eliminate the overall bail amount.
Masina remains out on bail awaiting his trial date of March 28. USC suspended the linebacker after receiving information about his arrest once the information was made public.