Governor Brown Presses for Split Sentencing (AB 109)
Governor Brown Presses for Split Sentencing (AB 109) Reductions in California’s prison population have caused overcrowding in county jails across the state. To help relieve some of the burden on local jails, the California Legislature authorized sentencing reform when it passed Assembly Bill 109 (AB 109), the California Criminal Justice Realignment Act of 2011. As part of AB 109, judges are permitted to impose what is known as a “split…
Read MoreCan I Serve My Jail Sentence Only on Weekends?
Can I Serve My Jail Sentence Only on Weekends? Jail and prison overcrowding has become an epidemic in the state of California. To help ease overcrowding, inmates who exhibit good behavior can have their sentences significantly reduced. For misdemeanor or non-violent crimes, some can even avoid going to county jail altogether by serving their sentences on weekends in private or pay-to-stay jails. The option to serve a jail sentence on…
Read MoreJail Overcrowding Impact on California Counties
Jail Overcrowding Impact on California Counties It is no secret that California county jails have become increasingly overcrowded as a result of the 2011 Criminal Justice Realignment Act. “Realignment” was the Legislature’s answer to the United States Supreme Court mandate that ordered California to reduce its prison population by the end of 2013. The jail overcrowding impact on California is being felt on a county-by-county basis. Citing a violation of…
Read MoreWhat Happens When a Judge Sentences a Defendant to Four Years in Prison When They Should Have Sentenced Him to Six Years?
What Happens When a Judge Sentences a Defendant to Four Years in Prison When They Should Have Sentenced Him to Six Years? That is exactly what happened in the recent case of People vs. Kingsberry. The defendant was originally placed on probation for a violation of Penal Code Section 288 (child molestation). The defendant was found to be in violation of his probation and the court sentenced the defendant to…
Read More