Rudy Castillo had been in prison for over 17 years and had been condemned to life without the chance of parole until 6:36 a.m. July 3rd, 2021. He had given up all hope of ever getting out when he first met Attorney Chambers. He walked out of court a free man after more than two years of legal fights, with an opportunity to continue his degree at Fresno State.
How did this happen? Thanks to the patience of Rudy and his family, and thanks to the work of a dedicated criminal defense firm. But it wasn’t the first time. Luis Beltrán, a client of Chambers Law Firm, was released from jail on October 8, 2020, after serving nearly 16 years in prison for murder. Mr. Beltran was released when a court-approved his SB1437 petition after more than a year of battle by Chambers Law Firm.
What is SB1437 Resentencing?
California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1437 into law on September 30, 2018. SB 1437 changed the state’s murder statute by restricting who can be charged with murder and felony murder.
The law’s three most important features are that 1) felony murder can now only be prosecuted when the accused had the intent to kill, 2) convictions for natural and probable consequences murder are no longer possible, and 3) the law is retroactive, which means that people convicted of felony murder under the old law can petition to have their sentences reduced.
How to File for SB 1437 Resentencing
A person serving a sentence for felony murder may file a petition for resentencing under SB 1437 by providing statements about their conviction. A copy of this petition must be sent to the District Counsel’s office, or the Attorney General’s office if your case was prosecuted by that office, as well as your private attorney or the Office of the Public Defender.
Importantly, if you were convicted of felony murder with “special circumstances” that resulted in a sentence of death or life without the possibility of parole, you can submit a petition for resentencing. There are a variety of exceptional circumstances murders that may be eligible for resentencing, including a judgment that a person was a key participant in a criminal act that ends in a homicide.
According to Attorney Chambers, there is a lesson here: “No matter what station you find yourself at in life, never lose hope.” If you would like to request a free legal consultation with Chambers Law Firm, contact our offices now at 714-760-4088.
