Central Valley
Policy Change
The Central Valley experiences some of the highest CDCR incarceration rates in California.
While Los Angeles is often cited as being the incarceration hub of the world, several counties in California’s Central Valley incarcerate more people per capita.
Prison Policy Initiative (2022)
While statewide resentencing reforms have created meaningful second chances for many across California, their impact is often limited in the Central Valley- where local implementation is shaped by more conservative-leaning District Attorneys, judges, and political leadership.
While new laws create pathways for release or sentence reductions, counties across the Valley often fall behind due to two key factors:
1. A long-standing and deeply embedded “tough on crime” political culture that resists decarceration efforts; and
2. A lack of resources and funding to support resentencing work in more rural regions.
Opportunities for relief that should be available to all incarcerated Californians often depend on what county someone was sentenced in- leaving thousands from the Valley stuck behind without access to justice.
Local reform is essential to ensure statewide laws translate into real, equitable outcomes for our communities.
Who is My County's District Attorney?
Fresno County
District Attorney: Lisa A. Smittcamp, since 2015
Fresno County District Attorney
2100 Tulare St
Fresno, CA 93721
559-395-0600
Kern County
District Attorney: Cynthia J. Zimmer, since 2019
Kern County District Attorney
1215 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-868-2340
[No email: Contact through website]
Kings County
District Attorney: Sarah Hacker, since 2023
Kings County District Attorney
1400 West Lacey Blvd
Hanford, CA 93230
559-582-0326
No email found
Madera County
District Attorney: Sally O. Moreno, since 2019
Madera County District Attorney
300 South G St, Suite 300
Madera, CA 93637
559-395-0600
Merced County
District Attorney: Nicole Silveira, since 2023
Merced County District Attorney
550 West Main St
Merced, CA 95340
209-385-7381
Tulare County
District Attorney: Tim Ward, since 2013
Tulare County District Attorney
221 South Mooney Blvd, Suite 224
Visalia, CA 93291
559-636-5494