Legislation sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins prioritizes continuity and support for vulnerable victims.
Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Catherine Stefani today announced AB 2052, a bill that strengthens California’s response to crimes against children, older adults, and dependent adults by ensuring greater continuity in prosecution for cases involving vulnerable victims.
Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, AB 2052 expands the use of vertical prosecution, a practice that allows a single prosecutor to handle a case from its early stages through trial, providing continuity, expertise, and consistent support for victims.
Under current law, vertical prosecution is permitted for complex or traumatic cases such as homicide, domestic violence, and hate crimes. AB 2052 closes a critical gap by extending this same continuity to cases involving crimes against children, seniors, and dependent adults.
“Children and older adults face unique barriers in the justice system, especially when cases are handed off from one prosecutor to another,” said Assemblymember Catherine Stefani. “This bill is about dignity, stability, and making sure our most vulnerable victims are supported by prosecutors who understand their needs and their cases from start to finish.”
“I am proud to join the Alzheimer’s Association and Assemblymember Stefani to stand up for our most vulnerable victims of crime across the state,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “In 2022, I established a vulnerable victims unit in my office to ensure that cases involving vulnerable victims were handled vertically, as are the most serious cases in my office like homicide, child abuse and sexual assault, domestic violence and major crimes.”
Children, older adults, and dependent adults often face additional challenges navigating the criminal justice system, including cognitive impairment, reliance on caregivers, and the trauma of repeatedly recounting abuse or exploitation. Frequent reassignment of prosecutors can undermine trust, delay proceedings, and retraumatize victims at critical moments in a case.
AB 2052 addresses these challenges by allowing limited continuances when a prosecutor assigned to a case involving a vulnerable victim is already handling another court proceeding.
As California’s population ages, crimes against older adults, including abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, are increasing statewide. Advocates say continuity in prosecution is especially important for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, who may face memory challenges or difficulty navigating complex legal processes.
"We're honored to fight alongside Assemblymember Stefani and District Attorney Jenkins to ensure our most vulnerable populations are protected, including those living with Alzheimer's or another dementia who might be taken advantage of," said Andrew Mendoza, California Government Relations Director for the Alzheimer's Association. "This bill will help ensure older adult victims receive consistent legal representation as they navigate incredibly difficult circumstances and help instill more trust in the process."
By expanding access to vertical prosecution for cases involving vulnerable victims, AB 2052 strengthens California’s commitment to victim-centered justice while preserving judicial oversight and accountability.
AB 2052 will be heard in an Assembly policy committee in the coming months.
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