sacramento - Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo

Orange County Deputies bring Lawsuit to Stop Early Release of Inmates

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:07:00 GMT

The union representing around 1,800 deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department filed a lawsuit on February 16, 2010 to stop the early release of inmates from Orange County jails. This lawsuit, modeled after the one filed in Sacramento County, is the second one of its kind. In the Sacramento case, the judge issued a temporary restraining order halting the release of inmates under the new state law SB X3 18. Superior Court Judge Loren E. McMaster ruled that “the law was intended for state, not county inmates, and that the release of inmates into the streets while the number of deputies is being reduced is a ‘formula for disaster'” (Orange County Register). Attorneys representing the union argued that the state law, which went into effect January 25th, was meant to affect state prisons only, not county jails. Between January 25th and February 9th, 311 inmates have been released early from Orange County jails. Other counties, such as Los Angeles, are applying the law differently and in turn not releasing any inmates early. In the present suit, attorneys have also cited an inmate who was released early from Sacramento County jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon who then went on to attempt to rape a woman just hours after his release. Kevin Peterson’s case is commonly referred to by law enforcement officials when stating opposition to this new law.

Early Release for California Prisoners

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:29:00 GMT

The California prison system will start an inmate early release program. This is in response to a Federal Court announcement that the California prisons reduce its inmate population by about 40,000 within a certain period of time. The court’s main reason for the reduction was in response to overcrowding and the effect it had on inmate behavior and conditions. This issue came up as a result of prison violence. Recently a riot broke out in the Chino State Prison east of Orange County California, bringing in media and state regulator attention to the system. Those that defend the program explain that this would reduce the number of inmates in jail and also adjust the parolee numbers as well. According to the Sacramento Bee “low-risk offenders [would] earn credits on their prison sentences by completing rehabilitation and education programs.” The idea is that the more serious offenders would still be locked away from the community while reducing the population inside and saving money. Opponents of this plan say that offenders are being released during a time of police officer lay offs and budget cuts, therefore creating a scenario for an increase in crime. This program may also reduce sentences at Parolee hearings.

New Laws for a New Year!

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:14:00 GMT

This New Year’s brings new laws to the state of California. According to the OC register the fee for renewing a driver’s license has gone up to $31. Other vehicle related regulations include video screens and interlock devices. A video screen can be placed in the front seat as long as the driver cannot actually see the screen. It is now possible for cities and counties to require a 30 day impound of a vehicle if a person used a vehicle when soliciting a prostitute. On July 1st the following counties will require those convicted of a DUI to install ignition interlock devices on every operated or owned vehicle in order to maintain their driver’s license: Los Angeles, Sacramento, Alameda and Tulare.

Other laws that will go into affect:

AB 576- Agencies will be identified as “victims” of graffiti vandalism. This gives the agency eligibility to seek restitution from those convicted.

SB 492- Raises fines and jail time for registered gang members loitering near a school within 72 hours of being told to leave.

SB 135 chopping off a cow’s tail is considered a misdemeanor and can only be done when medically relevant.