The bill was championed by Jay-Z and Meek Mill
One of the most challenging aspects for any person involved in the criminal justice system is complying with probation terms. Probation is a period of supervision over someone who has been convicted of a crime (or plead no contest to a crime). It may be imposed in lieu of jail time, or in addition to incarceration. The conditions of probation may vary considerably, but can include things like taking drug tests, checking in with a probation officer, and avoiding contact with other people with criminal convictions. If a person violates the conditions of their probation, they may be sent to jail — to finish the originally imposed term and/or to serve time for the violation itself.
When a term of probation lasts for years, it can make it all the more difficult to avoid a probation violation. As a result, many people on probation find themselves caught up in a vicious cycle, where a lengthy probation sentence leads to violations, which leads to additional charges. A new law, Assembly Bill 1950 (AB 1950) hopes to change that reality. As a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA can explain, AB 1950 will shorten probation terms across California. Under AB 1950, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom this month, the maximum probation term for most misdemeanor convictions has been dropped from 3 years to 1 year, and from 5 years to 2 years for most felony offenses.
One of the major backers of AB 1950 was REFORM Alliance, an organization co-founded by Meek Mill, Jay-Z and Michael Rubin. In 2017, Meek Mill was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison for a probation violation after a 2009 gun and drug case. The infractions involved relatively minor violations, like popping a wheelie on a dirt bike without wearing a helmet. After a Pennsylvania appeals court overturned this sentence, Meek Mill was released from prison after serving 5 months. He then went on to form REFORM Alliance.
AB 1950 is an important step in the ongoing process of California criminal reform. Any number of seemingly innocent acts can lead to a probation violation, which can then land a person back in jail. By reducing the length of probation terms, people involved in the criminal justice system will have a much shorter time on probation — which decreases the likelihood of a probation violation. This allows people to move forward with their lives after a conviction, and avoid ongoing involvement with the criminal justice system.
If you have been convicted of a crime, it is important to know and understand the terms of your probation. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA can review these terms with you and help you comply with them to prevent a probation violation.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we represent Californians who have been charged with all types of crimes. We work hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA, contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.
