The proposal includes methods to allow for the release of more prisoners
The state of California currently operates 35 state prisons, with more than 115,000 individuals incarcerated in this system. 21 of these prisons were built between 1984 and 2005, when California took a tough on crime approach that led to mass arrests and incarcerations. In recent years, the state has worked on criminal justice reform in an effort to reduce overcrowding in its prisons, and to end some of the more unjust practices of the past.
Due to massive budget shortfalls related to the coronavirus, California may be downsizing its state prison system. According to a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA, the state has a projected $54 billion deficit. As a result, Governor Newsom and other state leaders are considering closing state prisons.
In a budget revision released in May, Governor Newsom proposed closing two prisons over the next two years. Doing so would save the state $400 million per year. Governor Newsom stated that these closures would be part of his plan to invest more in education and less in the prison system. His plan for prison closures includes reducing the amount of time that incarcerated people would spend in prison through programs that would allow prisoners to earn more time off of their sentences for good behavior and to more easily access rehabilitation programs. An analysis of this proposal estimated that doing this would reduce the population of California’s state prisons by 11,000 by 2024.
State prison sentences are generally reserved for more serious crimes, including many types of violent crime. Less serious crimes (such as misdemeanors) usually result in a term of imprisonment in a county jail.
The state prison system has been hard hit by the pandemic, with approximately 1,000 inmates testing positive for COVID-19. With close living quarters and limited access to protective measures, the potential for a serious outbreak in any correctional institution is high. Advocates argue that this pandemic has highlighted just how unsafe prisons are — in addition to being a massive expense for the state.
Being charged with a crime can be incredibly stressful, and may be even more difficult if the potential sentence includes incarceration in a California state prison. That is why it is critical to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA to represent you if you have been charged with a serious crime. A skilled attorney will use their knowledge of the California legal system and California laws to aggressively advocate for you. Depending on the facts of your case, your lawyer may put forth factual and/or legal defenses that may result in a plea deal, the charges being reduced or dismissed, or a favorable outcome at trial.
If you have been charged with a crime, the Chambers Law Firm can help. Attorney Dan E. Chambers is a seasoned former prosecutor who now dedicates his practice to representing individuals charged with a range of California criminal offenses. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA, contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.
