Advancing Criminal Justice Reform In California

Model and Strategy

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) supports sensible alternatives to incarceration that begin with shifts in policy around drug-related arrests. The organization is working to advance criminal justice reform in California in three ways: through a law enforcement assisted diversion (LEAD) program in Southern California, by helping people with nonviolent convictions get their sentences split and their release from prison expedited, and with new legislation that addresses the needs of immigrants being deported for low-level drug arrests. These advocacy objectives will support immediate reforms to California’s criminal justice system while furthering the organization’s long-term goal to end the arrest and incarceration of people for simple drug possession.

Impact

LEAD Program: People in need are receiving services (upwards of 500 annually); jail population shrinks, jurisdiction saves money, crime down; state policymakers learn about and seek to scale the program

Split sentencing: Los Angeles County has a well-functioning split sentencing system; split sentencing rate reaches 50% of cases, about 500 people per month

Sentencing reform: Thousands of immigrants no longer deported for simple drug possession; Latino organizations deepen commitment to broader criminal justice and drug policy reform

Drug Policy Alliance