Lassen’s District Attorney, Melyssa Rios, addressed significant changes to criminal laws in the new year, noting the challenges faced by her office. Having handled over 900 cases, including 13 jury trials and securing a county-first second-degree murder conviction for substance-furnishing homicide, Rios emphasized the impact of “unfunded mandates” leading to an influx of petitions from current inmates—notably new laws, such as Race Blind charging, which eliminates consideration of an individual’s race when determining criminal charges, emphasizing equal treatment and impartiality in the criminal justice system. Clerks must redact all identifying information from a file before the DA’s review.
Other changes inundating the workload with more incarcerated petitions include a new tiered sex offender program, which brings complexities. The updated program eliminates automatic lifetime registration for sex offenders. An update to youthful offenders (who committed a crime at age 26 or under), who can now petition for reduced sentencing with evidence of their youthfulness in a Franklin Hearing.
Rios highlighted changes to convictions for felony murder and attempted murder, where individuals can seek reduced sentencing based on their specific roles.
Despite challenges, Rios shared positive news about the completion of the new Child Advocacy Center, relocated for enhanced privacy, marking a successful initiative during her five-year tenure.
Despite the year’s “uphill battle,” Rios expresses optimism for a successful 2024.
