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Public Defender, DA outline post-conviction work; dozens freed but grants that fund unit are ending
Summary
The Public Defender and District Attorney updated the Public Safety and Justice Committee on Aug. 14 about a surge of post-conviction work tied to recent state sentencing reforms, reporting 135 people granted new or reduced sentences since 2021 and warning that grant funding for the unit will expire.
The Santa Clara County Public Defender and District Attorney told the Public Safety and Justice Committee on Aug. 14 that recent state sentencing reforms have created substantial new workload for both offices but also delivered measurable results: since 2021 the public defender reported 135 clients obtained new or reduced sentences, and the offices estimate more than 1,600 years of incarceration were saved as a result of resentencing and post-conviction relief work.
Why it matters: The work responds to statutory changes such as the Racial Justice Act and other state reforms that allow some people to seek resentencing or post-conviction relief. County staff and community partners said the program reduces long-term incarceration, saves state and county costs…
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