by erikbruce

Diversion of Regional Center Defendants

Anyone charged with a misdemeanor or felony (as of January 1, 2021 with certain serious crime exceptions) who is a client of a regional center for the developmentally disabled established under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is eligible for diversion of their criminal case. Diversion means that if you complete counseling through the regional center you will avoid jail...

by erikbruce

Mental Health Diversion

There are many reasons why one finds themselves on the wrong side of the law. At The Bruce Law Firm, we’ve discovered that one of the primary causes can be traced to one’s struggle with their mental health. California law has an answer ¾ mental health diversion. Many attorneys are unfamiliar with California Penal Code section 1001.36. This law allows many people accused of a crime to undergo...

by erikbruce

New Rules for Bail in Criminal Cases

This just in from the California Supreme Court: “Late Wednesday the State Supreme Court posted an order on the docket of In re Humphrey (2018) 19 Cal.App.5th 1006, pending as # S247278, granting precedential value to Part III of the Court of Appeal decision in the case. That section of the appellate opinion holds that due process requires consideration of the defendant’s financial...

by erikbruce

Common Sense Justice Reform

As a former member of law enforcement (deputy district attorney) with more than 25 years’ experience in the criminal justice system, I’ve had the opportunity to see the formative years that have led to the recent protests. Having also taught a college course on race since 2008, I’ve long maintained there is no mystery what could be done to reform the way we mete out justice. Some suggestions....