As the president of a California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) delegation, attorney Jacqueline Goodman lobbied in front of California lawmakers recently to shine a light on a number of important criminal justice issues. She recently discussed Assembly Bill 703 - College Fee Waivers for Exonerated Prisoners, which she and her delegation whole-heartedly sponsored.
As it stands now, public and community colleges in California are not permitted to seek out mandatory fees from certain students. For example, when a police officer or firefighter dies in the line of duty, the person's surviving spouse and children are permitted to attend these colleges tuition-free. The bill seeks to also include those who've had their crimes expunged via a writ of habeas corpus or those who've been pardoned. These costs of college attendance would then be reimbursed to the specific college via state funds.
It's clear why a bill like this is needed. People who were wrongfully convicted of a crime and spent years in prison lost a significant portion of their lives. They also lost an opportunity to better themselves through higher education, an opportunity all people should have an opportunity to reach. Not only does a lack of education impact a person's earning capability, but it can also deprive them of important knowledge that could potentially enrich their lives and lives of their family members.
Attorney Goodman's commitment to her clients is also evident in the work she performs on their behalf. She's passionate about criminal justice, which is why she works diligently to advocate for those who've been wronged by a flawed criminal justice system. If you're concerned about your rights, please call her office today to schedule a consultation.
