The governor of California, Gavin Newsome, today ordered the release of approximately 3,500 inmates from the state prison system in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  The release currently only covers inmates convicted of non-violent offenses and those that had 60 days or less remaining to serve on their sentence.

As Covid-19 infections increase, and civil rights groups increase their pressure on the government to reduce exposure of inmates to the virus, Additional early releases could occur.  Potential Writs of Habeas Corpus may lie due to increased risks unforeseen at the time of sentencing.