We the undersigned strongly urge you to protect the innocent by in supporting AB 2937, the Arthur Carmona Justice for the Wrongfully Convicted Act. AB 2937 would create a number of remedies for the wrongfully convicted individuals who have served time in prison and have had their judgments vacated. AB 2937 would implement reforms suggested by the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice.
Results from DNA evidence has proven that innocent individuals have been wrongfully convicted for crimes that they did not commit and sentenced to the confines of a jail cell in California. These individuals suffer for crimes that they did not commit.
Arthur Carmona, was wrongfully convicted at 16, and spent 2 1/2 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. After re-entering into society, Arthur faced many challenged. Arthur, like many men and women who have been wrongfully convicted, had trouble securing housing and employment, and was faced with confronting the stigma of serving time in prison.
As of today, California provides no services for the wrongfully convicted, even while aiding parolees, who have actually committed the crimes. Where is the justice in that? While California does provide some compensation, the current procedural hurdles make it difficult for the wrongfully convicted to get compensation and their record expunged.
Assembly Bill 2936 (Solorio, D-Santa Ana) would give those newly free access to case manages that would help them obtain services such as job training, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, mental health services, and other resources. AB 2937 would require that criminal records relating to wrongful convictions are sealed. Essentially, the wrongfully convicted will have the same access to resources that ex-offenders receive when released from prison.
Again, I encourage you to support AB 2937. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and champion our cause.
