Prison or Jail? What is AB109?

09/04/2013

What is Realignment?



QUICK FACTS

- Credits are now day for day (half-time).

- No early release for AB-109 inmates.

- Parole violators no longer go to state prison.

- No gate money for parole violators upon release.

- You are not a "State" inmate if you remain in the county jail.

- You may be eligible for work/school, just like any other inmate.

- Fire camp may be an option for those with longer sentences.



Realignment was passed in to law by the Governor and became effective on October 1, 2011. It allows some sentenced inmates to remain in the county jails instead of going to prison. It also changed some of the rules for parole.

Who goes to prison and who stays?

If you were convicted of a non-serious, non-violent or non-sex charge and you do not have prior conviction of a serious or violent felony, or required to register as a sex offender: then you will remain an LA county jail inmate and serve your time here. All others will be sent to state prison to be housed. This decision is determined by the courts during your sentencing. To find out if you will remain in county jail or go to prison, please contact your attorney.

If you are a parole violator, then you will serve your entire violation in the county jail. PAROLE VIOLATORS WILL NO LONGER GO TO PRISON. Since you will remain an LA County jail inmate, you will no longer receive gate money upon release.

How many credits do I get now?

Anyone sentenced after October 1, 2011 will receive day for day credits. For example, if you receive a 2 year sentence you will only serve one year. You will receive credits for your entire time in custody (including pre-sentence time).

Parole violators also receive the same credits as above. For example, if you receive a 180 days revocation (which is now the maximum term) you will serve 90 days.

Currently, inmates sentenced under Realignment are NOT receiving early releases.

Can I go to fire camp?

If you have a sentence of 2 or more years, you may be eligible to live and work at a fire camp. The Sheriff's Department will be taking over several camps in the near future.

Those eligible will receive 2 days credit for every 1 day served.

This is a voluntary assignment; however, you must be medically cleared and meet the physical requirements of the LA County Fire Department.



Pitchess Detention Center, South Facility

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

29330 The Old Road

Castaic, CA 91384

(661) 295-8805

Inmate Info: (213) 473-6100