Pending Legislation Would Offer IDs to Individuals Released from Prison
Assembly Bill 717, introduced in the California State Assembly in February 2021, would require the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to provide all prisoners California ID cards or driver’s licenses upon their release from custody.
State identification cards or driver’s licenses are crucial to accessing resources that most clients are in dire need of when released from jail or prison. If you want to find employment, apply for housing, or get healthcare, you will likely need to provide proof of your ID. Since obtaining a state-issued ID can sometimes take weeks after an individual’s release, this can leave them without important resources for extended periods during a time when they may need them the most.
A similar bill was passed in 2014, though it only mandated the issuance of IDs to individuals that met several large hurdles—like having already obtained some ID prior to their incarceration, having paid off all fines and fees, and proving they are legally in the United States. AB 717 seeks to fill the gaps left by that bill and expand upon it, to ensure that anyone in CDCR custody can have these vital documents once they have completed their sentences.
The bill would also assist incarcerated individuals locate birth certificates, social security cards, and other identity-related documents that they may need to access resources upon their release. All in all, it is a welcome and necessary reform that could assist recently released individuals reenter society, and help them succeed once they do.
If you have a loved one in state or local custody and want to learn more about options they may have moving forward upon their release, give us a call at (619) 295-3555 to set up a case evaluation today.
The contents of this article and blog are for meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.
Author Bio
David P. Shapiro, the managing partner and founder of a leading San Diego criminal defense firm, is driven by an unwavering commitment to providing the best possible representation to his clients facing criminal charges. With a deep understanding of the fear, uncertainty, and concern for one’s future that his clients experience, David approaches each case with empathy and dedication, advocating tirelessly for their rights and freedoms.
Focused on complex and high-stakes cases, David handles a wide range of serious charges, including felonies, violent crimes, sex crimes, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Since establishing his practice in 2010, David has earned a reputation as one of San Diego’s most respected criminal defense attorneys.
His firm has been recognized by LawFirm500 as one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms and was a 2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics Winner. The San Diego Business Journal named David’s firm the 17th Fastest Growing Private Company in San Diego from 2019-2021 and recognized David as one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People in 2022. With a strong dedication to his clients and community, David continues to be a driving force in the San Diego legal landscape.
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