Thousands of cases are already under review in San Diego as a result of the voter-approved Proposition 47.
Across the state, law enforcement officials immediately began implementing the ballot measure which calls for treating shoplifting, forgery, fraud, petty theft and possession of small amounts of drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, as misdemeanors instead of felonies.
The state corrections department began notifying nearly 4,800 inmates in California prisons that they can petition judges to have their felony convictions and sentences reduced. Convicts serving time for the felonies in local jails can also petition for release.
Nearly 5000 petitions were submitted Friday by attorneys with the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender.
The petitions represent individual cases not defendants. Attorneys estimate 1800 offenders were connected to the petitions under review.
Each petition will be processed by the court and then forwarded to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for review. A DA's office spokesperson said reviews could begin as early as Nov. 17.
Prosecutors will consider if the charge is one that applies under the newly approved law. They will also take into consideration if the defendant is still considered a threat to society.
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Officials say the offender may have other charges that would keep them from being released.
The District Attorney’s Office said the petitions submitted were just for those offenders who are currently in custody. Once offenders on parole and PRCS are taken into consideration, the office could be considering thousands more.
Proposition 47 intended to save hundreds of millions of dollars a year in reduced prison and jail costs.
The initiative is projected to keep about 4,000 inmates out of state prisons each year, more than enough to help the state meet a population cap ordered by federal judges.
