Ventura County Public Defender - Claudia Bautista - to Discuss Proposition 36

Prior registration is required. Please RSVP HERE, and send questions for the speaker to lwvvc.info [at] gmail.com

She will discuss the effects that the passage of Proposition 36, which passed in November of 2024, has had on the Public Defender's Office and Ventura County in general.

Proposition 36 increases penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, allowing felony charges for repeat offenders and mandating treatment for some drug possession cases. It aims to address issues like drug addiction and theft but has faced criticism for potentially increasing incarceration rates without sufficient funding for treatment services.

What You'll Learn:

• How Proposition 36 has changed case loads and court proceedings in Ventura County
• The real-world impact on defendants, families, and communities
• Challenges and successes in implementing mandatory treatment programs
• How the new penalties are affecting repeat offenders and first-time defendants
• Resource and funding gaps that have emerged since implementation
• The Public Defender's Office perspective on balancing public safety with rehabilitation

Ms. Bautista brings extensive experience in criminal defense and has been serving as Ventura County's Public Defender since 2020. She is a compelling and informative speaker, and we look forward to hearing her insights on this important issue.

All community members interested in criminal justice reform and public policy are welcome to attend.