There is no state in the United States that does not have overcrowded prisons. California is no exception. There have many potential solutions put through, including the California Realignment Program. Could it help your loved one get out of prison? Keep reading to learn more about it, and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 if you require a free legal case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Background on the California Realignment Program
Established in 2011, the California Realignment Program was voted for by California voters. The purpose of the program is to help keep non-violent offenders out of prison and, therefore, lower overcrowding and its resulting issues.
Overcrowding is actually dangerous for prison staff, as it makes prisoners hard to control, and it is more dangerous for inmates, as they are often forced to live in inhumane conditions. The short of it is this: the more people there are incarcerated, the less space there is. This prevents incarcerated individuals from getting exercise, sleep, and appropriate access to the bathroom. Likewise, it makes it very difficult to keep the facility clean.
The Reality of the Realignment Program
When a person is convicted of a felony, they will generally be required to spend at least twelve months in state prison. Due to the many potential felony charges in California, a prison can fill up fast. The Realignment Program is designed so that a person who is convicted of a non-serious, non-violent, non-sexual felony can seek the option to spend their sentence in county jail.
This can be an advantage to the inmate because many county jails do not have the same overcrowding issues. They are generally less harsh than a state prison, they have less security, and they are overall easier to spend time in.
Additionally, certain inmates who were convicted of one of several specific crimes could be released entirely instead of facing time in prison. Note, of course, that this is not freedom – they are still monitored by Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) programs. This is essentially another type of parole, but it allows the person convicted of the felony to work, be with their family, and be on the outside.
Do You Think Your Loved One is Eligible Under the California Realignment Program?
If you feel that you or a loved one is eligible for the county jail or release due to the California Realignment Program, we urge you to contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation. We will consider your case, determine if the crime charged qualifies, and offer our best guidance. Call now to get started.