Budget Cuts to Lower Prosecution Rates across California: What an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Tell You
It the midst of America’s economic downturn, even state departments and government funded agencies are feeling the heat. District attorneys all over California have been buzzing about the upcoming budget cuts in their departments explaining that basically, less money means fewer prosecutions.
Contra Costa District Attorney Robert Kochly has already begun acting on the $1.9 million budget cut to his department. Kochly recently wrote a letter to local police agencies asking them not to waste their time with “quality-of-life crimes and some drug felonies” because due to the budget cuts he simply can’t afford to prosecute them. Even the prosecutors in Kochly’s departments have said that this cut in prosecutions may bring an increase in vandalism, petty theft and other crimes but it seems that the hands of district attorneys all over California are tied.
These budget cuts will undoubtedly create conflicts for DAs all over the state, as criminal defense attorneys battle to defend their clients and the DAs may not even be able to prosecute the defendants depending on the nature of the crime.
Although some in the legal community have said that they don’t think the DAs will actually lower their prosecution rates or lay off many people in the departments, many are recognizing the severity of the situation. Loyola Law School Professor Laurie Stevenson said, “I don’t think we’re leaving prosecutors with much choice. The volume of cases is just too high … I don’t think they’re bluffing.”
With such a grave situation, now more than ever it’s essential to have the right criminal defense attorney fighting for you. Serious felonies will now get more attention than ever with all of the departments’ money focused in on them and lower level felonies and misdemeanors may have an increased chance of success if handled by the correct experienced attorney.
Wallin & Klarich has over 30 years of experience in criminal defense and is here to help you in your criminal matter. Our aggressive and skilled California criminal defense attorneys are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to talk to you about your case. Call us today at 1-888-280-6839. Also, visit us online at www.wklaw.com to learn more about your case and what can be done.
