In California, defendants convicted of a crime and sentenced to a determinate term in the state prison are generally required to serve their entire sentence imposed by the court except for a reduction in the time served as a result of their performance in work, training or education programs organized “California Allows Prison Inmates to Earn Work Time Credits While Incarcerated”
California Makes it Harder for “Lifers” to Parole
The primary purpose of a “lifer” parole hearing is to determine whether an individual is suitable for parole while serving a life sentence that allows for parole. The initial decision on the inmate’s suitability has to be made by the California Board of Parole Hearings, which evaluates various circumstances related “California Makes it Harder for “Lifers” to Parole”
California Courts Disagree on Lengthy Prison Terms for Juveniles
Last year, the United States Supreme Court held in a deeply divided opinion that a sentence of life imprisonment without parole (LWOP) for any juvenile offender who did not commit a homicide was unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The court, however, “California Courts Disagree on Lengthy Prison Terms for Juveniles”
Life Imprisonment without Parole is illegal in Non-Murder Juvenile Matters
The United States Supreme Court in a deeply divided opinion reversed a conviction of a 16-year old minor who was sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) for a non-homicide Florida offense of home invasion robbery. In Graham v. Florida, the court held that a sentence of LWOP for any juvenile “Life Imprisonment without Parole is illegal in Non-Murder Juvenile Matters”
Marijuana Legalization and Drug Laws
California laws continue to evolve favorably for non-violent offenders in possession of marijuana and other drugs for personal use. Californians will soon have the option of legalizing the use, possession and transportation of marijuana for personal use. Supporters of a ballot initiative expect to see a vote on the issue “Marijuana Legalization and Drug Laws”
Are Juveniles Lawfully Subject to Life without Parole?
The United States Supreme Court will entertain oral argument today on the issue of whether a life sentence without parole for a juvenile offender convicted of a non-murder offense violates the Eight Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. The Court has already decided that juveniles are not subject to “Are Juveniles Lawfully Subject to Life without Parole?”
Law Enforcement Is Overburdened by Misguided Laws
A kidnapped girl was discovered 18 years after her abduction at the home of a convicted parolee and registered sex offender despite the fact that law enforcement has repeatedly been in contact with the man and has visited his home on many occasions over the years. That law enforcement for “Law Enforcement Is Overburdened by Misguided Laws”
San Diego Criminal Courts Closing, Prisoner Early Release
The unprecedented California budget crisis has now resulted in the San Diego Superior Court closing every third Wednesday of the month, effective September 1, 2009. Court clerks have already cut-back to a shorter work day, and the court closing will put further strain on a majority of criminal court defendants and “San Diego Criminal Courts Closing, Prisoner Early Release”