Stockton, CA - San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas is proud to announce the early achievements in implementing Proposition 36, a mandate by California voters to address repeat theft and drug-related offenses through a mix of accountability and rehabilitation.

Repeat Theft Convictions:

Under Penal Code section 666.1(a)(1), the office has filed 14 felony charges against repeat theft offenders. Two of these cases have already secured convictions, showcasing the potency of this voter-backed measure in tackling recidivism.

Drug Offense Prosecution:

Since December 18, 2024, five cases have been filed under Health and Safety Code section 11395, focused on repeat drug-related offenders' crimes with an eye toward rehabilitation.

Community and Inter-Agency Collaboration:

DA Freitas has been at the forefront of community engagement, co-hosting a round table with Sacramento DA Thien Ho and other regional leaders to discuss Prop 36's implementation strategy. Additionally, a meeting last week with judicial and health service representatives solidified plans for comprehensive support programs for drug offenders.

Prop 36 Workshops:

The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office have joined forces to educate and empower through a series of workshops on Proposition 36. These workshops highlight how our office implements the new laws, including the Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft (STAART) program. The sessions also address the fentanyl crisis, which is relevant to the ongoing issue of homelessness.

District Attorney Ron Freitas stated, "Proposition 36 has provided us with new tools to address the cycle of crime, particularly in areas of repeat theft and drug offenses. Our early successes in convictions and our ongoing partnerships illustrate our dedication to both justice and rehabilitation. The DA’s office is open for business, and through these workshops with the Chamber of Commerce, we're showing how we're using Prop 36 to ensure accountability while offering pathways to recovery. We will continue this collaborative effort to ensure that our community members receive the support they need to break the cycle of crime. Additionally, our commitment extends to protecting businesses within the community through our proactive prosecutions."

About Proposition 36:

Proposition 36, approved by California voters, strengthens penalties for habitual thieves while also offering structured support for drug offenders, aiming for a balance between justice and rehabilitation.