BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD
November 26, 2015
By many measures, Gov. Jerry Brown has improved California’s criminal justice system as he has fought and finally sought to comply with court orders forcing an end to unconstitutional prison conditions.
But compelled by a 2014 order from the federal judges who oversee prison operations, the Brown administration is freeing felons who by their actions have proved they do not deserve to have their sentences shortened.
As reported by The Sacramento Bee’s Darrell Smith last week, nearly 1,100 supposedly nonviolent inmates who had been convicted of at least one prior serious felony were approved for early release in the first nine months of the year by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Under a procedure in place since January, prison authorities give Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, like prosecutors in all counties, 30-day notices about pending releases. She can write letters opposing the release but can’t make her case in person, or appeal.
Clearly frustrated, Schubert has begun posting on her website letters her deputies have written opposing the releases. Other prosecutors should follow her lead, and the judges should rethink the November 2014 edict that may end up endangering the public with its zeal.
Consider, for example, Willie C. Harris, in prison for seven drunken driving convictions. In a letter to prison officials, Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Robin B. Shakely warned that there “there is little doubt that once Harris is free, he will pick up a bottle and drink and drive, yet again.”
True to form, Harris, having been released May 9, was rearrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on June 5.
Altogether, the state has released 17 felons back to Sacramento County under this particular program. Five, including Harris, have been rearrested. Dozens more are scheduled to be released.
The inmates are classified as “nonviolent second strikers.” What the rest of us might consider a nonviolent crime probably wouldn’t jibe with the law’s view of violence.