Recent Changes to California Law

Get to know some of the recent changes and updates to California law that may impact you and your experience of the criminal justice system in the state.

If you live in California, you know that the laws and regulations regarding criminal charges and sentences can change quickly. Lawmakers are constantly trying to improve the system and to alter it to best suit the state's overall needs.

However, because of that, the system can be confusing to anyone who is charged with a crime or the loved ones of those people charged with a crime. Get to know some of the recent changes and updates to California law that may impact you and your experience of the criminal justice system in the state.

Drug Laws

Because cannabis has been legalized in California, the ways in which drug crimes are defined and identified have needed to be updated and changed to match the changes in society. Because possession of cannabis is no longer a crime, even in terms of recreational cannabis use, lawmakers had to update those laws as well as laws regarding what is legal and illegal in terms of cannabis use.

It is illegal now, for example, to drive under the influence of cannabis and open containers of cannabis in a vehicle are also illegal. These laws are much like the laws regarding alcohol use in the state and represent a new age in drug law and regulation in the state.

Cannabis laws are not the only drug laws that have changed recently. The mandatory minimum of three additional years to repeat drug offenses has been done away with as well. This means that nonviolent drug crimes will not carry sentences that are as harsh and can help reduce overcrowding in prisons.

Prison Rules for Elderly Inmates

One of the legal changes in the criminal justice system in California not having to do with drug crimes has to do with changes in the way the prison system deals with older inmates. If an inmate is over 60 years of age and has served at least 25 years in prison, the parole board is now legally required to consider them for parole and release.

The main idea behind this is to reduce prison overcrowding. However, this law could benefit you if you have a family member or other loved one that has been in prison for a large portion of their life and has reached the age of 60 or above.

Rules About Filming Crimes

With the increase in smartphone usage and other devices, laws have had to be updated regarding crimes committed while on camera. If a person knowingly and intentionally films themselves committing a crime in California, that person can face longer sentences and additional charges.

The act of video recording or live streaming a crime can now be considered an aggravating factor, particularly if the crime is violent. Recording or streaming a crime could also be grounds to deem the crime premeditated rather than an unplanned incident. 

How a Lawyer Can Help You Navigate These Laws

Changes in California criminal laws can be confusing and can make it difficult to navigate the criminal justice system.
Whether you find yourself charged with a crime or you have a loved one that is dealing with criminal charges or is currently incarcerated, the best thing you can do for yourself is to consult with a lawyer. They will be able to help you understand the laws and make the most of the changes that have occurred to these laws recently, reducing sentence times and improving parole opportunities.

Now that you know more about the recent changes in California laws regarding criminal law, consult a lawyer if you need help dealing with any of the issues described in this blog.