Fresno, CA, October 30, 2024 – Spolin & Dukes P.C. is pleased to announce a significant legal victory in a recent SB 483 hearing held on October 30, 2024, in Fresno County. The firm successfully argued for the reduction of a client’s sentence from 31 years to life to 15 years to life. The hearing was presided over by Judge Gary R. Orozco, who granted the reduction after considering the client’s rehabilitative progress and the lack of any violent disciplinary violations during his nearly two decades of incarceration.

Attorney Erica Esquivel of Spolin & Dukes P.C. represented the client at the hearing, with attorneys Aaron Spolin and Caitlin Dukes providing further support. Through a year-long collaboration with an Assistant District Attorney in Fresno County, the firm was able to negotiate a resolution that led to the reduction of all stayed terms from “uppers” to “midterms,” significantly lowering the total sentence.

“Our firm is thrilled with this outcome, which reflects not only our client’s personal growth and commitment to rehabilitation, but also the progressive changes being made in the criminal justice system under laws like SB 483,” said Ms. Esquivel.

The client, now in his 60s, was originally charged in November 2005, convicted in February 2007 after a jury trial, and sentenced in March 2007. He has already served 19 years of his sentence, during which time he has shown significant positive change. He has completed several rehabilitative programs, including anger management, a mental health group, and the PREP Turning Point program. Throughout his incarceration, he has had no violent disciplinary violations, reinforcing the argument that he poses no danger to the community.

Spolin & Dukes P.C. is optimistic that with this reduction in sentence, this client will have a strong case for parole. A parole hearing is tentatively scheduled for July 2025, and the firm remains hopeful that their client will be granted release, given his rehabilitation, age, and positive ties to his family and the community.

About SB 483 and Penal Code Section 667.5(b) Enhancements

Senate Bill 483 (SB 483), signed into law in 2021, is a critical piece of legislation that allows for the reconsideration of certain enhancements under Penal Code Section 667.5(b). Specifically, SB 483 invalidates sentence enhancements related to prior prison terms for defendants who have shown evidence of rehabilitation and have served significant time without further violent offenses. This law is part of California’s ongoing criminal justice reform efforts, aimed at reducing lengthy prison sentences for individuals who are no longer a threat to society and have made strides toward reintegration into the community.

For further information, please contact: Spolin & Dukes P.C. at (866) 716-2805.