Proposition 5: Nonviolent Offenders; Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation
From Mobilize the Immigrant Vote
- What is the Nonviolent Offenders; Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation Statute?
This proposition will require the State to increase funding and oversight for personalized treatment and rehabilitation programs for nonviolent drug offenders and parolees. It reduces criminal penalties for nonviolent drug offenses by establishing a three level probation program with treatment. Proposition 5 also limits the courts’ authority to send to prison those offenders who violate probation. The Act shortens parole for a large number of drug offenses, including sales and nonviolent property crimes.
- What do supporters of Proposition 5 say?
- Proposes a real solution to California’s overcrowded prisons;
- Creates and funds a structure for care for at-risk youth with drug problems;
- Would save California an estimated $1 billion or more each year in prison and parole costs;
- Makes rehabilitation a true priority;
- Increases access to community-based addiction treatment for nonviolent offenders.
- What do opponents of Proposition 5 say?
- Does not hold offenders accountable for their actions;
- Is not tough on crime;
- Gives drug dealers an “easy way out”.
- Who supports Proposition 5?
California Democratic Party, California State Conference of the NAACP, Mental Health Association in California, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Save Our Sons, Watts Labor Community Action Committee, Wolfe Center/Juvenile Justice Center, Association of Community Human Services Agencies (ACHSA), Assembly Member Jim Beall (Santa Clara), Superior Court Judge James Gray (Orange County), Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources (CAARR), Returning Home Foundation, California Church Impact, Jeanne Woodford (former warden San Quentin), California Society of Addition Medicine (CSAM), Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice
- Who opposes Proposition 5?
California Narcotics Officers Association, National Association of Drug Court Professionals, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, California Police Chiefs Association
(Partial Lists)
