In a push to provide second chances to more individuals tangled in the federal justice system, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada has announced a key expansion to the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) program, effective across seven Californian counties. In an official statement, Estrada outlined that the program will now be accessible to a broader spectrum of federal defendants who show a clear readiness and commitment to turning their lives around, even if they are not battling substance use or mental health issues linked to their crimes.
The CASA program, first unveiled in 2012, offers a robust rehabilitation scheme, previously focused on those with substance use and mental health concerns related directly to their offenses, and has already seen nearly 400 individuals graduate. These participants, having successfully navigated the program's rigorous requirements have had their charges dismissed or have been recommended for non-custodial sentences, hence the change aims to build on this success by opening the doors to more individuals in need of support but who may not have had issues with substance use or mental health. According to Estrada's announcement, the goal is "to admit applicants who can benefit from a rigorous, structured program regardless of whether they can demonstrate a substance use or mental health issue."
Chief United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee and Federal Public Defender Cuauhtemoc Ortega have both endorsed the CASA expansion, noting its success and the positive impact of such a program on the community and the criminal justice system. "The CASA program enhances public safety by guiding low-level offenders through a rigorous rehabilitation program that will reduce recidivism," said Estrada, reinforcing the program's efficacy. Judge Gee, proud of the program's history, said, "I am proud of CASA’s 12-year track record of success in assisting defendants to effectuate a positive trajectory in their lives without incarceration," and Ortega added, "Our office remains committed to work together with all the CASA partners to shepherd participants toward graduation and a successful future."
The program, a collaborative effort involving the U.S. District Court, the Federal Public Defender, U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, covers a broad swath of California, spanning Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. It employs bi-weekly court sessions and equips participants with a range of strategies and treatments including job training and mental health therapy aimed at their successful reintegration into the community.
