NCJ Number
99816
Date Published
Unknown
Length
67 pages
Annotation
Provisions of California's 1976 Juvenile Justice Reform Law (AB3121) which transfer power from the rehabilitation-oriented probation officer to a prosecution-oriented district attorney have increased the severity of juvenile dispositions, reduced plea bargaining, and measurably increased the quality of police investigations involving juveniles.
Abstract
Pre- and post-AB3121 data were obtained from eight of the largest counties in the State. Data were collected at the law enforcement level to determine the effect of the new role of the district attorney on investigation quality. At the probation and court levels, the data collected identified any changes in proportions of cases sent to court as well as conviction and incarceration rates. Elapsed time, plea bargaining, and continuance variables were also measured. Net increases in convictions and confinement occurred in almost all counties, although there was variation in the degree of effect across counties. Generally, changes were either in higher proportions of petitions or in an increased proportion of convictions or confinements. Changes in all these areas did not occur in all counties. Except for Alameda County, plea bargaining decreased, indicating a tougher stance. Processing time consequently increased. Small but measurable improvements in police investigations occurred across counties, probably due to the new emphasis on prosecution. The intent of the legislation is apparently being realized. Tabular data by county.