Santa Clara County records first RJA violation, advocates say ‘stronger approach’ is needed

The Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office has filed more than a dozen motions over the last four years contesting racist criminal charges against people of color. Only one has been sustained in court.

The county recorded its first Racial Justice Act violation last month since the landmark California law passed in 2020. The bill, authored by San Jose-based Assemblymember Ash Kalra, calls for the reversal of convictions or reduction in charges in cases where defendants face racism. But the county’s milestone ruling may not be the civil rights win advocates were hoping for.