California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

08/26/2026

CACJ Board Member and Bay Area attorney Bobbie Stein asks what happens when a protest that historically would have resulted in a misdemeanor and community service instead becomes a felony prosecution and a trial.

In her latest piece for 48 Hills, Bobbie examines the Golden Gate Bridge protest cases, the use of conspiracy charges, and the broader implications of imposing unusually harsh consequences on nonviolent protesters.

Read “Jenkins sends a Trump-like message with bridge protester trial” here:

San Francisco DA's have never charged peaceful protesters with felonies and forced them to trial. Now it's happened

08/13/2026

CACJ's Sponsored bill SB 1173, Co-Sponsored by California Public Defenders Association and Californians for Safety and Justice, has passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee and now advances to the Assembly Floor.

SB 1173 would allow defendants to request jury instructions on lesser-related offenses when supported by the evidence. This important reform would give juries the ability to consider the offense that best fits the facts, rather than forcing an all-or-nothing choice.

Thank you to Senator Anna Caballero for authoring this important legislation and to everyone who has helped move it forward!

07/29/2026

CACJ's own Ignacio Hernandez weighed in on why smart, evidence-based diversion policy matters for a fair and effective justice system.

Read the full story: https://www.abc10.com/article/news/politics/public-safety-advocates-clash-with-democratic-legislators-over-bill-expanding-diversion-for-retail-theft/103-6d743b0b-f106-4a9e-9ae1-8e9ee612b370

07/20/2026

A new CalMatters investigation examines California’s expanding use of “Perkins operations,” secretive jailhouse stings designed to obtain incriminating statements from people who may have already invoked their right to remain silent.

These tactics raise serious questions about Miranda protections, due process, coercion, and the constitutional rights of the accused. With multiple Perkins cases now pending before the California Supreme Court, this is an important issue for California’s criminal defense community to watch.

Read the full investigation: https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/07/perkins-investigation-how-we-reported/

06/24/2026

Brian Gurwitz testified before the Assembly Public Safety Committee, helping advance legislation that would allow juries to consider lesser-related offenses when supported by the evidence. The bill passed committee on a 6-2 vote and now heads to the Assembly Floor.

As Brian said:
"Trials are supposed to be about the truth. SB 1173 makes sure jurors can convict a defendant of what he actually did — nothing more, nothing less."

We also extend our thanks to Senator Caballero for authoring the bill and to CACJ lobbyist Ignacio Hernandez for his advocacy throughout the legislative process.

CACJ is proud to continue fighting for a criminal legal system that is fair, accurate, and grounded in justice.

06/17/2026

We're hiring!

CACJ is seeking a Part-Time Administrative Assistant to support member services, events, database management, and day-to-day operations.

This fully remote position is approximately 20 hours per week and offers a flexible schedule, making it a great opportunity for a college or law student looking to gain professional experience with a statewide nonprofit legal organization.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with them.

Apply here:
Idealist:
https://ideali.st/W9QPIb
InDeed:
https://www.indeed.com/job/administrative-assistant-8c161735d046c410

06/10/2026

CACJ has submitted a letter supporting the continued funding of the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project.

For decades, community-based pretrial services have helped individuals navigate the justice system while maintaining access to housing, employment, treatment, and family support.

We believe pretrial services should promote success, support compliance, and respect the presumption of innocence.

05/05/2026

The California State Assembly approved AB 1917 authored by Assemblymember Schultz.

The legislation requires a prosecutor to file a motion if the prosecutor wants to reinstate a charge that had been dismissed by a judge at preliminary hearing. Under current law a prosecutor may reinstate an offense without a motion or justification.

AB 1917 is co-sponsored by the Office of the San Francisco Public Defenders, CACJ, and the Californians for Safety and Justice. The legislation will be heard in June in the Senate Public Safety Committee.