U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Martin Estrada has announced an expansion of the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) program. This initiative will now include a broader range of defendants who are facing federal charges and have shown a willingness to make significant changes in their lives.
Participants who successfully complete the CASA program may have their charges dismissed or receive recommendations for non-custodial sentences. The program partners, which include the United States District Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Public Defender, and U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, are broadening admission criteria to benefit applicants who can thrive in a structured environment, regardless of substance use or mental health issues related to their offenses.
“The CASA program enhances public safety by guiding low-level offenders through a rigorous rehabilitation program that will reduce recidivism,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “This program has been a major success and a model for the nation.”
Chief United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee expressed support for the expansion: “I am proud of CASA’s 12-year track record of success in assisting defendants to effectuate a positive trajectory in their lives without incarceration.”
Federal Public Defender Cuauhtemoc Ortega also voiced approval: “The Federal Public Defender’s Office looks forward to the expansion of CASA... Our office remains committed to work together with all the CASA partners.”
Since its inception in 2012, nearly 400 individuals have graduated from this collaborative interagency program supported by various judicial entities across seven counties within California's Central District.
CASA focuses on addressing underlying issues such as substance use disorders and mental health challenges while providing alternatives to incarceration aimed at reintegrating participants into society.
The program includes bi-weekly court sessions and structured training designed to improve decision-making skills along with job application assistance. It was initially modeled after state drug-court programs but has since evolved beyond its original scope.
