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As Many as 8,000 People Incarcerated in California Might Be Released Early in August

The pandemic is far from contained throughout the country and certainly not in California. Due to the high number of COVID-19 cases amongst incarcerated persons, the justice system is looking at slowing the growth by releasing as many as 8,000 inmates ahead of schedule. Keep reading to find out more and learn how it could affect you or a loved one.

3,500+ Inmates Have Already Been Released and More Are to Come

Within the first 60 days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of California worked to reduce the cases of the virus within the correction system by releasing more than 3,500 inmates. Now, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times, as many as 8,000 inmates might be released ahead of schedule for the same reason, with more than half of those released by the end of August.

Only Specific Inmates Are Eligible for Release

Of course, the state is not releasing just anyone. Any person convicted of a violent felony or a sex crime is not eligible to be released via this program. It also only applies to people with one year or less left to serve on their sentence. The program is designed to help people like non-violent drug offenders who should not be punished by death as they might be if they are left in jail to catch COVID.

The Program is About More Than Protecting Prisoners

We believe that people with non-violent criminal convictions who have less than a year left on their sentence should be protected by COVID. However, even those who do not see it this way should understand that there is more at stake here. Consider how many civilians work at state and federal prisons. Do you want those guards, who are often underpaid and overworked, to suffer a potentially deadly infection?

A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Released Prisoners Move on with Their Lives

Depending on the specifics of a person’s crime, they might be eligible for a number of most-conviction options. This includes expungement, earning a Certificate of Rehabilitation, getting a Governor’s Pardon, winning a factual innocent motion, and having the conviction dismissed. Which option you are eligible for, and what it could mean for you, will depend on many factors.

If you would like specific information and advice on your unique situation, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. Post-conviction relief could make it easier to get a job, find a place to live, and otherwise get back on the right track.