Asm. Sharp-Collins Holds Webinar on Ending “Juvenile ‘Strikes’” Justice

November 17, 2025

California Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins is advocating for reform of the state's Three Strikes law, which uniquely allows juvenile court adjudications for minors aged 16 and older to count as permanent "strikes" that can lead to harsher adult sentences, including mandatory 25-to-life terms. Critics argue this practice is unjust because juveniles lack full due process protections in juvenile court, including the right to jury trials, yet these adjudications follow them permanently despite juvenile records being sealed at 18. Sharp-Collins has introduced Assembly Bill 1279, currently inactive but set to return in the legislative session, which would allow individuals to petition for resentencing if their adult sentences were enhanced by juvenile strikes.

Who is affected

Individuals who received juvenile adjudications as minors (age 16 or older) that count as strikes under California's Three Strikes law
Young adults like 24-year-old Daisy Sandoval who carry juvenile strikes into adulthood, affecting employment and facing enhanced future sentences
Juveniles in counties with high juvenile case numbers, particularly Los Angeles, Kern, Alameda, and San Francisco counties
Public defenders handling cases involving juvenile strikes, such as Jonathan Laba from Contra Costa County
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and justice reform advocates
Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa), who is leading the reform effort

What action is being taken

Assemblymember Sharp-Collins hosted a virtual discussion on November 12 to explain AB 1279 and encourage public engagement in the legislative process
Jonathan Laba and his office are supporting legislative reforms and participating in amicus curiae efforts to reduce Three Strikes consequences for juveniles
AB 1279 has been introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session (though currently on inactive file)

Why it matters

This issue matters because California is reportedly the only state in the nation that allows juvenile court adjudications to serve as the basis for adult life sentences under the Three Strikes law. Juveniles lack full due process protections in juvenile court, including the right to jury trials, yet these adjudications become permanent strikes that cannot be expunged and can trigger mandatory 25-to-life sentences in adulthood. The practice creates lifelong consequences for childhood behavior, affecting individuals' ability to obtain employment and perpetuating punishment for young people who advocates argue needed rehabilitation and mental health support rather than permanent criminal enhancements. The reform represents a fundamental question about California's justice values and whether the state truly leads in fair treatment of youth offenders.

What's next

AB 1279 will return in the second half of the 2025-2026 legislative session after being placed on inactive file on June 5
If passed, AB 1279 would create a pathway for individuals to petition for resentencing if their adult sentence was enhanced because of a juvenile adjudication

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint