A new voter initiative would scale back criminal justice reform
California was once known for having some of the toughest criminal laws in the nation. Our “Three Strikes” law was hailed as being innovative when it was first unveiled, and many of our other measures have been applauded by those in favor of more strict sentencing laws for those convicted of crimes.
However, in recent years, Californians have begun to realize that some of our criminal laws may have gone too far. Voters approved measures in 2014 and 2016 that rolled back some of the more draconian criminal justice laws on the books. For example, in recent years, California sentencing laws have changed so that sentences for certain drug and property crimes were reduced. According to a Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney, while it is too soon to see results from the more recent changes to criminal justice laws, California property crime dropped by 3% from 2015 to 2016.
Despite this, some groups believe that criminal justice reform has gone too far. Survivors of crime and law enforcement have banded together to support a ballot initiative that would roll back the laws that changed in 2014 and 2016 and — in their words — “restore balance to our criminal justice system.” These groups need 366,000 signatures to get their measure on the ballot for the November elections.
Supporters of criminal justice reforms are also collecting signatures — but for a ballot initiative that would enact even more criminal justice reform. This proposed initiative would end life sentences for defendants convicted under California’s Three Strikes law for nonviolent crimes.
In the past several years, there has been a significant push in California to change how people accused and convicted of crimes are treated. This includes a potential move away from the cash bail system, a reconfiguration of sentencing laws for drug offenders, and other measures, such allowing for certain older inmates to seek early parole. While many Californians support these changes to the law, others believe that they make us all less safe — and may make it harder for law enforcement to do its job.
As a Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney, I have seen the impact of harsh sentencing laws firsthand. While it is often necessary to isolate violent offenders to protect the community, imprisoning nonviolent offenders for decades — or even for life — does not appear to achieve the primary goal of the criminal justice system: rehabilitation. I empathize with the victims — but as a Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney, my role in the system is to zealously represent for my clients and to ensure that justice is done.
Wherever you stand on the topic of criminal justice reform, it is an important and necessary conversation that we should all be having as Californians. Our criminal laws impact the lives of so many people, and we should carefully consider how each law achieves the goals of protecting the public while helping prisoners be rehabilitated so that they can successful re-enter society.
If you have been charged with a crime, the Chambers Law Firm can help. We will aggressively defend you, and will thoroughly investigate your case to develop a strong defense to the charges against you. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney.
