This measure changes state law so that certain adult offenders who use or possess illegal drugs would receive drug treatment and supervision in the community, rather than being sent to prison or jail or supervised in the community, generally without drug treatment. The measure also provides state funds to counties to operate the drug treatment programs. The most significant provisions of the measure and their fiscal effects are discussed below. A felony is the most severe type of crime and can result in a sentence in state prison or county jail, a fine, or supervision on county probation in the community.
Current law classifies some felonies as violent or serious.
The state s Three Strikes and You re Out law provides longer prison sentences, in some cases 25 years to life, for offenders who have prior convictions for violent or serious felonies. Misdemeanors are considered less serious and can result in a jail term, probation, a fine, or release to the community without probation but with certain conditions imposed by the court. Infractions, which include violations of certain traffic laws, cannot result in a prison or jail sentence. State law generally makes it a crime to possess, use, or be under the influence of certain drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Some drug-related offenses are classified as felonies and some as misdemeanors.