The bills address use of deadly force, visitation, and cell phone use in juvenile hall
Over the past several years, California has embarked on a series of monumental criminal justice reforms. These changes have substantially changed how the criminal justice system operates in California — yet as a criminal defense lawyer Rancho Cucamonga, CA can explain, lawmakers are not finished updating the system.
Legislators are currently considering a number of new proposals that would continue the changes that have already been implemented. If they become law, these bills would have a significant impact on the lives of those involved in the criminal justice system.
First, there are two separate bills regarding police officers’ use of deadly force before the Senate and Assembly. Assembly Bill 392, proposed by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, would change the standard from allowing officers to use deadly force when a reasonable officer in the same situation would to so to only allowing officers to use deadly force when they are in danger or serious injury or death. This bill has received broad support from activists, parents of children killed in officer-involved shootings, and civil rights activists. It was inspired in part by the shooting of Stephon Clark.
There is a second bill regarding the use of deadly force that was introduced in the Senate. Senate Bill 230, introduced by Senator Anna Caballero, would expand officer training and update department policies. It would not change the standard on when officers can use delay force. This bill is supported by a number of police departments.
Second, Assembly Bill 984 would require county jails and local detention centers to allow in-person visitation. According to a criminal defense lawyer Rancho Cucamonga, CA, after a 2011 federal court order required California to reduce the population of its overcrowded prisons, thousands of inmates were transferred to county jails. As a result, jails in at least 6 counties stopped offered in-person visitation for inmates — substituting video visitations (for a fee). The proposed bill would end that practice, and require all jails to allow in-person visitation.
Third, under current California law, bringing a cell phone in or out of local correctional facilities is considered a misdemeanor crime. One California legislator, Senator Jeff Stone, believes that “local correctional facilities” is not clear defined to include places such as juvenile halls and fire camps. His bill would change the law to ensure that all types of correctional facilities would be covered. Groups such as the ACLU oppose this bill, as it believes that the law is clear, and that amending it would simply create a new crime.
These changes to the criminal justice system may not be as substantial as eliminating cash bail or the felony murder rule — but they will have an impact on the lives of those affected. Imagine being in county jail and unable to see your family and friends — in that situation, a bill that would allow you to have in-person visitation would be very welcome.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we believe in providing the highest quality legal service to our clients. We are dedicated advocates for our clients, representing Californians across a range of charges. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
