(714) 997-4400
Last week, we shared about efforts to roll back criminal justice this November. If you didn’t have a chance to read the post, we encourage you to do so. It always helps to be informed before you enter the voting booth in November.
Let’s quickly recap. Next month you will be asked if you would like to erode Proposition 47, which reduced the California prison populations. Prop.47 meant early parole and downgraded sentences for thousands of inmates. It allowed the state to invest more in rehabilitation to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. It also changed the severity of certain crimes, such as shoplifting.
You will also be asked to weigh in on how you feel about money or cash bail in the Golden State. Voting “no” on Proposition 25 could lead to a repeal of Senate Bill 10. If SB-10 stands, then the question of who gets bail will land on the judges’ desks—cash bail would go away for detained suspects.
As we have pointed out in previous posts, law enforcement organizations are not fans of both Prop. 47 and SB-10. However, other groups would like to see criminal justice reforms rolled back, such as grocery stores.
Grocery Stores Want to Erode Prop. 47
Grocery outlets joined law enforcement organizations in standing behind Prop. 20, The Los Angeles Times reports. The legislation would mean that people who commit certain theft-related crimes (such as repeat shoplifting) could receive increased penalties (such as longer jail terms).
Albertsons, Kroger, and the California Grocers Association are the largest commercial entities backing Prop 20. According to the article, they argue that the legislation is needed because shoplifting and organized retail crime are on the rise. They say that grocers have suffered significant financial losses and that employees and customers are not safe.
The National Retail Federation conducted a study which found that theft or “shrinkage” was at an all-time high. In the 2019 fiscal year, theft cost the industry $61.7 billion. That only amounts to 1.62 percent of retailers’ profits.
“People are stealing, and there are no consequences,” said Richard Temple, a spokesman for the Yes on Prop. 20 campaign.
Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney
Please reach out to The Law Office of Ronald G. Brower if you or a family member face criminal charges in California. Attorney Brower has decades of experience in helping to bring about favorable outcomes for his clients. Please call (714) 997-4400 for a consultation.