California has two new significant laws, AB 124 and SB 81, changing determinate sentencing and listing mitigating factors in criminal cases. Both AB 124 and SB 81 began January 1, 2022. AB 124 and SB 81 each have sections concerning mitigating sentencing considerations for: mental illness victimization childhood trauma juvenile/ youthful offenses These laws make mental health and trauma history evaluation a key aspect to consider in criminal cases. AB 124 Breakdown of Key Points AB 124 creates a presumptive low term in determinate sentencing for many individuals. AB 124 does this by listing mitigating factors that now must be considered by a Judge and prosecutor in criminal sentencing. [...]