Crime Continues to Fall in California — Even with Criminal Justice Reforms

Learn how crime has fallen in Los Angeles County and surrounding counties

Crime Continues to Fall in California — Even with Criminal Justice Reforms

Over the past several years, California has undergone a significant transformation with regards to its criminal justice system. A number of new reforms have made the process, sentences and other factors more just — although there is still much to be done to achieve true equity in the system.

Opponents of these reforms argued that changing California’s harsh laws that imposed severe penalties on anyone convicted of a crime would lead to a significant increase in crime. Recent statistics released by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) show that the opposite is true: most violent and property crimes fell in 2018, part of an overall downward trend in crime rates in the state.

As a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, CA can explain, while there are some exceptions, overall, Californians are committing fewer crimes, on average, than they were a decade ago. While there are some categories of crime where the numbers have risen dramatically, such as rape, that is primarily due to the definition of sexual assault being broadened in 2013. Under current law, men are now included as victims, among other changes.

For other crimes, the numbers have dropped significantly. The rate of homicides in California has dropped 12% since 2009, while the number of robberies have decreased by 15%. Burglaries have decreased by 28%, while theft has increased by 1%.

In Los Angeles County, there have also been significant declines in crime rates. For example, in 2009, there were 699 homicides; in 2018, there were 570 homicides. Similarly, in 2009, in 2018, there were 24,528 robberies reported, compared to 19,480 in 2018.

These numbers are important because they demonstrate that the criminal justice reforms — such as a legalization of marijuana, reclassifying certain crimes, or reducing penalties for other crimes — that so many groups have argued against actually do not lead to an increase in crime. Instead, they appear to either have no impact on the overall rate of crime, or may even have a positive affect on the crime rate.

Whatever the reason may be for the decrease in crime in California, if you have been charged with a crime, you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, CA to defend you against the charges. In many cases, a prosecutor will file several charges in an attempt to get one or more to “stick.” A skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Attorney Dan E. Chambers is a former prosecutor, with significant experience on both sides of the courtroom. He brings that knowledge with him as he aggressively advocates for his clients, working to help them get the best possible outcome. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation, contact the Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.

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