714-997-4400The First Step Act
Reducing recidivism rates in California is vital to lowering California state prison populations. One way to keep men and women from returning to incarceration is to provide support following release, without it the risk is high. The Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP) allows eligible offenders with serious and violent crimes committed to State […]
Reducing Police Shootings In California
Some California lawmakers would like to change the rules of engagement regarding the use of deadly force involving peace or police officers. Last summer, The Law Office of Ronald G. Brower shed some light on California Assembly Bill 931. The legislation would have made changes as to when law enforcement could resort to lethal force. […]
‘Gay Panic Defense’ Bans
California Assembly Bill No. 2501 was approved by Governor Jerry Brown on September 27, 2014. The legislation amended Section 192 of the Penal Code, relating to manslaughter. AB 2501 banned a controversial manslaughter defense known as ‘gay panic defense.’ Before we get into what such a defense entails, it is prudent to discuss what constitutes […]
Overturning A Felony Murder Conviction
Last summer we covered a California bill up for consideration that would significantly alter the felony murder law. At the time, we pointed out a startling statistic from The Felony Murder Elimination Project, that 72 percent of women in California serving life sentences for murder are not the murderer. As of January 1, 2019, Senate […]
New Gun Laws In California 2019
Following the 2017 Las Vegas Mandalay Bay massacre and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting last year, discussions about firearms went into overdrive. The use of “bump stocks” and powerful assault rifles are at the top of the list of concerns. As is the question of whether people with a history mental illness or […]
California Criminal Justice, 2019
With the New Year underway, adults in California should take a moment to consider some significant changes to the criminal justice system. At Law Office of Ronald G. Brower, we make a point of sharing legislative changes that could affect current and future clients. Understanding of the law can help persons prevent future run-ins with […]
Governor Orders New DNA Tests for Kevin Cooper Case
On Christmas Eve, Governor Jerry Brown granted 143 pardons and 131 commutations; but, he also ordered new DNA tests that could clear Kevin Cooper of involvement in a 35-year-old murder case, CBS News reports. Cooper was charged and convicted of killing four people with a hatchet in Chino Hills in 1983. However, he and his […]
Understanding Violent Crime Increases
Both 2012 and 2015 are years that followed the passing of significant criminal justice changes in California. In the ensuing years, data indicates a rise in overall crime, The Los Angeles Times reports. The findings of an analysis, from the Marshall Project and The Los Angeles Times, may provide ammunition for opponents of laws intended […]
Money Bail Reform In California, Update
When Senate Bill 10 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown, it was seen as a step in the right direction. The legislation did away with money bail in the State of California and put the decision for which criminal defendant was eligible for release squarely in the hands of judges. While the bill […]