Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Unconscious Bias May Affect Criminal Penalties

Make The Right Call 714-879-5770  >
Font import
If you’re facing criminal charges in Orange County complete the form to speak with Attorney Goodman
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

dedicated to criminal defense
for over 20+ years
  • If you need a lawyer,
    she is the one you want.
    “Her knowledge and professionalism are what helped me get through a difficult time.”
    avvo review
  • A huge difference in my life!

    “ Huge difference in my life, and just wanted to say thank you for putting your cape on and protecting me when I needed it.”
    avvo review
  • Highly recommend!

    “There are no words to describe what it means to have a lawyer save you from your mistakes and give you a chance to change.”
    avvo review

Experts in California and around the country have raised concerns about the potential effects of unconscious bias in the courtroom. Widely studied by a range of researchers in the natural and social sciences, unconscious bias is an example of discriminatory treatment that results not from conscious thought but from unconscious brain responses. Thus, people may believe themselves to be non-racist or even anti-racist, but they may still be more likely to judge people of color more harshly. When judges express unconscious bias, the result can lead to damaging inequities in the criminal justice system.

Research shows that black defendants continue to face harsher treatment and penalties in the criminal justice system, despite sentencing reforms and civil rights legislation. Black people convicted of crimes are more likely than white defendants to receive longer sentences or even the death penalty. In the pretrial phase, black defendants are more likely to have to pay higher bails or be denied bond altogether. While some allege that this is the result of conscious racism, others argue that unconscious bias plays a major role in this type of unequal treatment. According to research, unconscious bias has the strongest effect on people who most believe themselves to be objective and are unwilling to question their commitment to their expressed convictions.

Judges are often proud of their objectivity, but it may lead some to be unwilling to look out for dangerous signs of bias or unequal results. Unconscious bias can even affect the way some judges respond to criminal lawyers, including younger lawyers, women, and people of color, advocating strongly for their clients.

A criminal conviction can have a serious impact on a person's future, including opportunities for housing, education, and employment. People charged with a crime may work with a criminal defense attorney to challenge prosecution evidence and aim for a favorable result.

ARE YOU FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES IN ORANGE COUNTY? YOU NEED JACQUELINE ON YOUR SIDE.

HAVE OUR OFFICE REACH OUT TO YOU

real people. real results.

  • +

    MISDEMEANOR SETTLEMENT

    MISDEMEANOR SETTLEMENT

    2ND DUI

    Misdemeanor on completion of community service - Felony 2nd DUI, under 21 with injury.

    +

    case dismissed

    CASE REJECTED

    ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER

    Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.

    +

    CASE
    REJECTED

    CASE REJECTED

    ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

    Strike felonies including assault with a deadly weapon - car with great bodily injury.

  • +

    case dismissed

    Case dismissed

    CAR ACCIDENT

    Car accident, no license, speeding (filed by Anaheim City Attorney).

    +

    case dismissed

    Case dismissed

    CHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY

    Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.

    +

    case dismissed

    Case dismissed

    CHILD MOLESTATION

    Child molestation: Felony.

  • +

    PROBATION TERMINATED EARLY

    PROBATION TERMINATED EARLY

    COMMERCIAL BURGLARY

    Commercial burglary probation violation: dismissed, no violation found.

    +

    case dismissed

    Case dismissed

    CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER

    Contempt of court order by a gang member.

    +

    Case dismissed

    Case dismissed

    CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

    Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.

Contact Us
English/Español