COURT WATCH: Santa Clara Judge Weighs Poverty, Mental Health in Sentencing, Orders Probation Instead of Additional Jail Time
A Santa Clara County Superior Court judge ordered a defendant to remain on probation and undergo mental health treatment rather than serve additional jail time, citing financial hardship and waiving non-discretionary fines and fees. The decision highlighted the impact of financial constraints on criminal sentencing and the court’s obligation under People v. Dueñas.