Modoc County District Attorney Nina Salarno supports Assembly Bill 2040, known as Lorenzo’s Law. She spoke out during a press conference aired April 17 on KTVU Channel 2, alongside Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo and law enforcement officials.
The bill aims to change how courts decide to transfer juvenile offenders to adult court. Currently, judges need “clear and convincing evidence” that a minor cannot be rehabilitated in juvenile court before approving a transfer. The new bill would lower this standard to “preponderance of the evidence,” a less strict threshold used in civil cases.
This change does not expand which minors can be transferred. Instead, it affects how judges evaluate those already eligible under current law.
Supporters argue transfers to adult court have become rare. Data from the California Department of Justice shows that out of 32,874 juvenile arrests, only 24 cases qualified for fitness hearings for transfer. In 2024, probation departments reported just five cases were sent to adult court despite many violent felony arrests.
The bill follows attention to juvenile justice after Lorenzo Sanchez’s death in Kings County. The suspect was under 16, so prosecutors could not seek a transfer hearing. The victim’s family has called for changes to state law.
Current law requires judges, not prosecutors, to decide on transfers. Transfers generally apply to minors 16 and older charged with felonies, with limited exceptions for younger teens facing serious charges.
Assemblywoman Macedo says the bill seeks to balance rehabilitation and accountability. It would give courts more flexibility in severe cases while keeping judicial oversight.
How do you feel about lowering the legal standard for transferring juveniles to adult court? Would this protect public safety without compromising fairness?
