Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

In a society such as ours where freedom is valued above all else, it is inevitable that some people make bad choices and commit crimes. For this, we obviously have a judicial system in place to punish criminals. In California, we have a Three Strikes Law that is helping to put criminals in jail and keep them there. Despite the problem of overcrowded prisons in our state, fewer career criminals are being released back into society where they can commit another crime. Tougher punishment laws keep career criminals in jail, while deterring others from committing first-time offenses. According to the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, juvenile crime rates “are at their lowest trough since reliable records have been kept.”

According to an article in the oc register last month, a recent study by the University of California, Irvine shows that when convicted felons are released and return to their old neighborhoods, the crime rates in those neighborhoods increases. Although this is frightening in the idea that these convicts are returning to their old ways after their supposed ‘rehabilitation’, in some neighborhoods this does not hold true. These neighborhoods have social services and outreach programs in place that deter crime. Places that have long-time residents, youth organizations, and nonprofit charities have made a huge impact in influencing people to do the right thing, instead of committing more crimes. This is very good news in light of the fact that the federal courts have ordered California to reduce its prison population. Fewer first-time and repeat offenders means fewer people in prison.

So now, in light of the fact that California’s crime rate is down and the pressure is on to reduce prison populations, state leaders are considering a plan that will reduce the amount of time that low-level offenders spend in prison. If the plan comes into affect, it remains to be seen how the three strikes law will continue to be effective in keeping criminals in prison. Only time will tell.

If you are arrested and accused of a crime, time is not on your side. If you wait too long to get experienced legal representation, you risk additional prison time that you may not have to serve. Don’t become another statistic in the overcrowded prison system. Contact the attorneys at Rizio and Nelson, who understand what you’re going through and are willing to help.