Proposition 57 is a dangerous and misleading constitutional amendment that will put the citizens of California at serious risk.

The proponents of Proposition 57 have said this law will only affect “nonviolent” felons. They claim that only people in prison for “nonviolent” offenses will be eligible for early release. But the truth is there are few prisoners left in state prison that are truly “nonviolent.”

Nonviolent offenders have already been released in California due to AB 109, also known as “realignment” and Proposition 47, which sent prisoners from state prisons to overcrowded local county jails or back onto the street.

SEE ALSO: Yes on Prop 57: Ensures no inmate automatically released


In the wake of AB 109 and Proposition 47, crime is on the rise throughout California for the first time in decades. FBI statistics show violent crime up more than 10 percent in just the past year alone. Homelessness and the use of serious drugs like heroin are increasing dramatically across our state.

Now we have Proposition 57 which will only make an already bad situation worse. This measure will allow the early release of some of the most violent criminals in our state prisons — often after serving only a small percentage of the years they were originally sentenced to by the trial judge. This will put their victims and our communities in danger.

The proponents of Proposition 57 would have you believe that these are so called “nonviolent” criminals. But the following crimes qualify as “nonviolent” under Proposition 57:

• Rape by intoxication (refers to a circumstance in which the victim was under the influence).


• Rape of an unconscious person.

• Human trafficking involving a sex act with minors.

• Assault with a deadly weapon.

• Domestic violence involving trauma.


• Drive-by shooting.

• Hostage taking.

• Attempting to explode a bomb at a hospital or school.

• Supplying a firearm to a gang member.


• Hate crime causing physical injury.

• Failing to register as a sex offender.

• Arson.

• Discharging a firearm on school grounds.


• Lewd acts against a child 14 or 15 years old.

• False imprisonment of an elder through violence.

I became a prosecutor to protect victims and to make sure that the people who commit crimes are held accountable and our communities are kept safe. This measure single-handedly wipes out decades of protections passed by voters to protect victims and the public safety.

If Proposition 57 passes, it will virtually eliminate:


• The California Victim’s Bill of Rights

• Marsy’s Law

• Californians Against Sexual Exploitation Act

• Gang Violence and Crime Prevention Act


This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Decades ago, victims of domestic violence often felt that they had nowhere to go because they feared their abuser would get out and hurt them further or worse yet hurt their children or family. However, after much-needed reforms by voters, victims were finally afforded some peace of mind and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. This measure would have us go back to a time when victims of domestic violence, hate crimes or gang violence live in fear of testifying because their attacker could be out of prison within a few years.

The California District Attorneys Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, the League of California Cities, Crime Victims Groups, Sheriffs and Police Organizations throughout the state all oppose Proposition 57.

I urge you to look at the list of so called “nonviolent” crimes above one more time. Now ask yourself again if it would be acceptable if that criminal was let out on early release after not being held fully responsible for the crimes they had committed.

Proposition 57 may be the most dangerous and misleading measure ever to be on a California ballot. Please vote no on Proposition 57.


Hestrin is Riverside County district attorney.