***As of September 29, 2018, Assembly Bill 1511 is awaiting decision by Governor Brown.*** Assembly Bill 1511 Assembly Bill 1511 would impose sentencing enhancements for… Read More »Assembly Bill 1511 – Bringing Back Property Crime Enhancements
Senate Bill 1142 Senate Bill 1142, also known as “The Getting Home Safe Act,” would change how inmates are released from county jail. Changes Proposed… Read More »Senate Bill 1142 – Changing How Jails Release Inmates
Senate Bill 1437 Senate Bill 1437 would amend the penal code to more equitably sentence offenders according to their involvement in the crime. Specifically, to… Read More »Senate Bill 1437 – Eliminating Felony Murder in California
Senate Bill 620 Signed into Law Senate Bill 620 was signed into law on October 11, 2017. The law gives judges the authority to strike… Read More »Senate Bill 620 Relaxes California’s Firearm Enhancements
Can Police Search Me if They Smell Marijuana? With some exceptions, police may not search a suspect or his/her property solely because they smell marijuana.… Read More »Can Police Search if They Smell Marijuana?
What is Prop 47? Prop 47 makes certain drug and property offenses under $950 a misdemeanor. Prop 47 Case Law Prop 47 was passed on… Read More »Prop 47 Case Law Update
SCR 48 – Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR 48 is a senate concurrent resolution passed on September 22, 2017. It recognized the need for statutory reform… Read More »SCR 48: Resolution to Reform Felony Murder Rule
Withdraw a Plea Using Penal Code 1473 Penal Code 1473.7 allows a person no longer imprisoned to withdraw a plea. This is especially useful for… Read More »Withdraw a Plea
Proposition 57 Proposition 57, “The Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016,” allows parole consideration for people convicted of nonviolent felonies after they have completed… Read More »Proposition 57 Parole For Nonviolent Inmates
California Becomes A “Sanctuary State” On October 5, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed the California Values Act. The “sanctuary state” law aims to protect California’s… Read More »California Becomes A Sanctuary State