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Dueling Views on Prop 36: Public Safety vs. Sentencing Fairness

El Dorado County’s District Attorney Vern Pierson and San Francisco Public Defender Matt SotoRomen Weigh In on California’s Three Strikes Reform

Cris Alarcon by Cris Alarcon
October 19, 2024
in Crime
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Dueling Views on Prop 36: Public Safety vs. Sentencing Fairness

The "3-Strikes" law

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El Dorado County (Oct 19, 2024) –

California’s Proposition 36, approved by voters in 2012, amended the state’s “Three Strikes” law to impose life sentences only when the third felony was a serious or violent crime. While it aimed to reduce prison overcrowding and costs, the perspectives on it from key figures like Vern Pierson, District Attorney of El Dorado County, and Matt SotoRomen, a public defender from San Francisco, reflect the law’s controversial impact.

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Vern Pierson, a career prosecutor, likely viewed Prop 36 with caution. In line with many district attorneys across California, Pierson would have argued that the original Three Strikes law was essential for keeping dangerous repeat offenders off the streets. His concerns might focus on public safety risks, emphasizing that Prop 36 could allow the release of criminals with long histories of recidivism, even if their latest felony was non-violent. For Pierson, protecting the community is paramount, and any law that potentially reduces sentences for habitual offenders might seem like a step backward in terms of justice and accountability.

On the other hand, Matt SotoRomen, a public defender in San Francisco, likely celebrated Prop 36 as a long-overdue correction to an overly harsh sentencing law. SotoRomen’s perspective would revolve around fairness and proportionality, noting that before Prop 36, individuals were facing life sentences for relatively minor crimes, like shoplifting or drug possession, simply because of prior convictions. He would argue that the amendment strikes a more just balance, allowing those convicted of non-violent offenses to avoid life imprisonment, while still keeping the focus on serious, violent felons. From his standpoint, the law alleviated the burden on an overpopulated prison system and helped address racial and socioeconomic disparities in sentencing.

In essence, Pierson’s stance likely reflects concerns about public safety, while SotoRomen’s focuses on fairness and reforming an overly punitive system.

See More Here on the Epoch Times

Source: Local News
Via: Cris Alarcon
Cris Alarcon

Cris Alarcon

Former Member: Executive Board of Directors, Treasurer, Boys & Girl Club of El Dorado County Western Slope. - Former Member: Board of Directors, Treasurer, Food Bank of El Dorado County. - Opening Team Dealer at Red Hawk Casino - Retried EDC Elections Department Inspector. - Youngest Charter Member of the Hangtown Kennel Club. - Political Strategist and Campaign Manager.

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© 2023 Placerville Newswire Commentary is produced by the Placerville Newswire, a private service focusing on Placerville Local Area issues. All conclusions expressed in this publication should be understood to be solely those of the author(s). You may find us in El Dorado County Placerville, CA 95667