ANNE MARIE SCHUBERT: I AM FED UP WITH THE ESCALATION OF CRIME
Q:
What do you feel
about current efforts to revise criminal justice reform laws like Propositions 47 and 57? What changes would you support?
A:
Proposition 47 was
misleading to the voters in promises made to help reduce crime and drug addiction. To the contrary, we have seen a rise in serial theft and drug addiction. I would support reforms to allow for enhanced consequences for serial theft and mandatory drug treatment.
The correlation between Proposition 47 and the rise in crime is undeniable and, as data shows, “nonviolent” theft and drug crimes often lead to violent crimes. As a result of the reduction of these crimes to misdemeanors, DNA can no longer be collected from these individuals. Fewer violent crimes are being solved as a result.
Under Proposition 47, prosecutors cannot aggregate crimes and make it a felony. Thieves know this and keep on stealing.
Furthermore, prosecutors no longer have the tools necessary to address drug addiction. Prior to Proposition 47, drug courts were highly successful throughout California. As a result of the virtual decriminalization, addicts have no incentive to get treatment.
I support fixing the failures of Proposition 57. Under California law, felony domestic violence, drugging and raping an unconscious person, human trafficking of a child, felons in possession of illegal guns and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury are not classified as “violent” crimes. As a result, those sent to prison for these crimes can be released after serving less than 50 percent of their sentence. I will advocate for changing the law to classify violent crimes appropriately, will limit early releases for these inmates and will aggressively prosecute violent criminals.
Q:
Crime is up statewide, creating debate over whether California should be more harsh or more lenient on people charged with crimes. What, if anything, should the attorney general do about the surge in crime?
A:
Like so many, I am fed
up with the escalation of criminal activity around the state, which brings nothing but chaos and destruction to our neighborhoods and communities. As a career prosecutor, I understand that this will not change until we are willing to admit that certain policies have for too long prioritized criminals over crime victims.
Additionally, as the next attorney general, I will work relentlessly with law enforcement across California to tackle this violent crime. This will be done through assisting law enforcement with going after the drivers of violent crime and taking illegal guns out of the hands of felons and prohibited persons.
As attorney general, I will bring accountability back to our criminal justice system. I will reverse policies that support early prison release for violent perpetrators of hate crimes, sex crimes, human trafficking, domestic violence and gun crimes. I will hold district attorneys accountable to do their jobs.
Q:
California has taken
several steps in recent years to crack down on police abuses. Are there any additional measures you think are needed?
A:
Over the last several
years, several measures have been adopted relating to law enforcement. This includes requiring certain use-of-force cases be investigated and reviewed by the attorney general, as well as the passage of Senate Bill 2 (police decertification process). Both these laws will improve police accountability and transparency.
Better trained law enforcement improves outcomes. Increased transparency improves trust. As the next attorney general, I will advocate for additional training to improve outcomes.
This includes more training regarding mental health as well as using mental health counselors in responding to mental healthtype calls.
Q:
California has the
strictest gun laws in the nation yet has had some of the nation’s worst mass shootings this year. What, if anything, can the attorney general be doing to reduce gun violence in California?
A:
As attorney general, I
would continue to advocate for more resources for police departments and collaborate with them to enforce bans on felons and domestic abusers from having guns. Further, I would seek to amend the early release policies that allow violent felons who use guns out of prison early. Communities are in chaos, lives are being lost, and children are in danger because politicians won’t pass laws to hold accountable criminals who use guns.
For instance, the appointed attorney general voted in favor of Assembly
Bill 3234 three times. Under AB 3234, criminals who bring guns to schools or even to the state Capitol can continue to own guns. This law is reckless.
I will work tirelessly to get illegal guns off the street and out of the hands of criminals.
Q:
Gov. Gavin Newsom
has endorsed California adopting a gun control law modeled on Texas’ abortion law, which allows people to sue those who help women get abortions. Do you support a law allowing Californians to file lawsuits like this over gun-related issues or not, and why? A:
I’m not necessarily
opposed to this concept, but it’s not clear to me that it would have an impact. I would need to see the final language of the bill/law to take a firm position.
We already have the most stringent gun control laws in the country in California. We need the governor and Legislature to stop the early release from prison of felons who use guns and focus on keeping guns out of their hands. That is why we cannot defund the police.