San Diego Criminal Lawyers Blog
People of color necessarily anticipate darker outcomes following an arrest. That is because, as data verify, they are arrested and prosecuted in higher numbers than their white counterparts, and they receive harsher penalties.
The Statistics
If you are of the view that racism is a thing of the past in this country, perhaps a look at some statistics related to the criminal justice system will change your mind:
- Black Americans comprise nearly 40% of prisoners in this country despite making up just 13% of the population.
- Black and Latino defendants, who account for less than 30% of the population in this country, account for 57% of the prison population.
- Just under half of individuals serving a life sentence are Black.
- Male offenders who are Black receive sentences that are an average of roughly 5% longer than white offenders convicted of similar crimes.
- Black Americans are sent behind bars nearly five times more often than whites.
- 14% of the juvenile population in this country is Black, but they account for one-third of all children arrested, over 40% of those detained, and over half of whose cases wind up in criminal courts.
Bias Starts Early in the System
Sadly, studies consistently reveal that people of color are more likely to be stopped and searched than white people. In research looking at nearly 100 million stops by law enforcement, evidence of racial bias appeared again and again.
A Call for Change
In response to extensive data documenting racial disparities across the criminal justice system, the NAACP has called for changes, including:
- Forming commissions at the state level to advise legislative or administrative efforts to address the factors that contribute to racial disparities in the justice system;
- Doing more to encourage and support high school completion for at-risk youth and those behind bars;
- Working harder to develop youth development and employment opportunities;
- Delivering ample funding to public defenders who serve indigent defendants;
- Assisting former convicts who’ve paid their debt to society in starting over by eliminating barriers to employment, housing, credit, jury duty, and voting rights;
- Compelling more extensive training in racial bias across the system;
- Eliminating mandatory minimum sentences and enhancements;
- Rejecting the death penalty.
Advocating for You
Unfortunately, many of the reforms sought by the NAACP may be years away in reality, meaning today’s defendants still face a tough road. That is why the experienced and passionate criminal defense attorneys at Boertje & Associates fight every inch of the way for our clients. We are not afraid to point out and attempt to mitigate potential roadblocks based on race or ethnicity and always provide professional and aggressive representation. To discuss your case, schedule a confidential consultation in our San Diego office today.