Recent Data Shows California's Realignment Doesn't Harm Public Safety

A few years ago, California passed a number of bills related to criminal justice reform. Due to prison overcrowding, and constitutional concerns, Governor Brown led the charge to reduce the bloated prison population. Propositions 36 and 47, which dealt with the punitive three-strikes law and over-sentencing of non-violent theft/drug crimes respectively, were passed with overwhelming majorities.

An older law, passed in 2011, also helped reverse the rapid increase of state inmates. "Realignment" put non-serious, non-violent, non-sex offenders in county jail rather than state prisons. Instead of being put into the care of parole, these non-violent inmates were placed into the custody of county-based probation programs. This helped the overloaded parole board. Also, violations resulted in county jail terms, rather than prison terms.

The opposition to Realignment had rational arguments, but so far their fears and concerns have been proven wrong. Despite their claims that crime would surge, citizens of California knew that the status quo was hurting their state and took the purported risk. It was worth it.

Now, the San Diego Tribune is reporting that Realignment does not harm safety. Since Realignment, crime has remained relatively low. Both in 2013 and 2014, crime rates dropped. Property and violent crimes are now at historic lows. Some experts believe that it is too early to make judgments, but overall, the data shows a trend downwards in violent crimes.

Reduction in crime rates is not exclusive to Los Angeles or California. Throughout the United States, crime has been down. The FBI data shows crime rates at 1960 levels. All of this is good news for those who advocate for criminal justice reform. Reducing prison populations will save money, combat recidivism, and put convicts in a position where they can re-assimilate.

Communities have been damaged enough from aggressive policies of over-incarceration. Let's hope that the data continues to reflect the benefits of changing how we, as a state, handle crime.

Proposition 47: Reducing Felonies to Misdemeanors

Proposition 47 passed in the last California state election and thousands, if not tens of thousands, of individuals have benefited. Voters understood that a lot was at stake. For far too long, Californians had accepted severe overcrowding in prisons. They also tolerated criminal records affecting people for a lifetime. Things have changed.

The most popular provision in Proposition 47 was the way in which drug crimes and minor theft crimes were handled. Incarcerated defendants were able to petition for release. Instead of treating every drug offender as a felon, steps were taken to acknowledge that substance abuse should be handled differently. Similarly, less violent convicts were spared from having to serve more time in state prison. So far, it has been estimated that over 2,000 non-violent inmates have been released.

Some are unaware of other relief available pursuant to Proposition 47. There is a section that deals with applications to reduce certain felonies to misdemeanors. The consequences of a reduction could positively impact a person in a number of ways.

Proposition 47 stated, in part:

"According to Section 1170.18, subdivision (f), “[a] person who has completed his or her sentence for a conviction, whether by trial or plea, of a felony or felonies who would have been guilty of a misdemeanor under this act had this act been in effect at the time of the offense, may file an application before the trial court that entered the judgment of conviction in his or her case to have the felony conviction or convictions designated as misdemeanors.”

Again, most of the felonies eligible for reduction relief are drug crimes, and theft crimes where the value of the items did not exceed a certain amount. When an application is filed, and served to the District Attorney, it is only a matter of time before eligible applicants reap the benefits.

Employers almost always ask whether prospective employees have been convicted of a felony. If an individual qualifies for Proposition 47 reduction relief, it could change the way he or she answers that question.

California Posed to Reform Criminal Justice

Come November, California voters will get the opportunity to vote yes on Proposition 47. The proposed legislation would be beneficial for everyone -- residents, defendants, and inmates. As a criminal defense lawyer, I get to see everyday how our criminal justice system needs urgent reform.

A short while ago, the United States Supreme Court ordered that California lower its prison population. The harsh three-strikes law implemented 20 years ago led to a surge in incarceration. Also troublesome was the severity of non-violent crimes like: petty theft, fraud, forgery, and most drug crimes.

The proposition on the ballot will help allay some of these problems. First, it will mandate that a large amount of non-violent crimes be charged as a misdemeanor instead of a felony. This will ensure that individuals involved in a theft, in an amount under $950, and other individuals involved in personal drug crimes, will not face prison time. They will face jail time instead.

Reclassifying some felonies to misdemeanor will help but Proposition 47 does more. It will directly allow already incarcerated individuals apply for relief if they are eligible. Thus, those individuals already in prison for possibly stealing an item less than $950, and where violence was not involved, could be released. This will alleviate some overcrowding.

The savings derived from the release of inmates will benefit the community at large. Money from the budget will not go towards overcrowded prisons. Instead, all of the savings will be used for mental health programs in California. People who have struggled with substance abuse will be able to seek out help. Those that need counseling will receive it. These preventive measures do far more than mass incarceration to decrease recidivism.

Opponents cannot claim that Proposition 47 will lead to more violence because the reforms will only impact those who are involved in a non-violent crime. Further, the proponents of the reform make some great arguments, both legal and moral.

One of the biggest backers of Proposition 47 is a conservative Christian who believes in redemption and forgiveness. He was encouraged by prison ministries, a non-profit organization founded by Chuck Colson to help inmates readjust to non-prison life. Mr. B. Wayne Hughes Jr. wants to use his wealth to do good for those who are trying to change their lives for the better.

I encourage you to vote yes on Proposition 47. Further, if you want a consultation with respect to a criminal charge that may be impacted by this legislation, I welcome your calls.