Judge Eric Fleming, a former wide receiver at Tulane University, is now presiding over San Francisco’s Young Adult Court, where he applies his experiences in team sports as a metaphor for youth rehabilitation.
The players in this court are defendants aged 18 to 24, categorized as “high risk, high need” young adults seeking opportunities for their charges to be dismissed after completing approximately 18 months of counseling and educational programming.
Around these young defendants, multiple coaches—comprising assistant district attorneys, defense attorneys, and case managers—work collaboratively to decide if each defendant should be diverted from the traditional criminal justice route to Young Adult Court.
Fleming, who has been described as both firm and passionate, took over the court from his predecessor, Judge Bruce Chan. Chan had established the Young Adult Court in 2015, aiming to provide a modern approach to rehabilitating youth, especially considering the scientific understanding that young brains continue developing well into their twenties.
As Chan stepped down in March, he emphasized the importance of the court’s resilience beyond any one person and expressed a desire to find a successor who could preserve the court’s mission amid fluctuating community attitudes toward crime and punishment.
Fleming, who previously served as a prosecutor for 13 years before becoming a judge in 2017, has a unique perspective shaped by his background. His experience as a Black man from the South positions him to inspire the young men in the program, according to Chan.
By having a former prosecutor in leadership, many feel that the credibility of the Young Adult Court is enhanced among crime victims, law enforcement, and the office of District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who must approve the defendants referred to the program.
A trust between the DA’s office and the court is crucial because it could lead to an increased number of referrals, allowing more young people to receive a second chance. “In collaborative courts, the DA may be more skeptical of a judge with a defense attorney background,” Fleming noted. “With one of their own, there’s a possibility that that skepticism may not be as prevalent.”
Fleming is recognized for his ability to communicate effectively with both defendants and experienced personnel in the justice system. Behavioral Health Court judge Charles Crompton remarked, “Fleming speaks their language; he understands their pressures and concerns.” After eight years of judicial experience, he can appreciate various perspectives in the courtroom.
While the DA’s office declined to comment for this article, it is evident that the trend has shifted somewhat under Jenkins, as the percentage of criminal cases resolved via diversion has decreased from 2022 to 2024. In a notable development, San Francisco increased the funding for the program from $800,000 to $1.3 million annually in 2024, suggesting a commitment to the program’s sustainability as it aims for systematic reform.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of young adults referred and accepted into the Young Adult Court has dropped significantly, approximately halving compared to pre-pandemic levels. The reasons for this decline remain complex, with uncertainty surrounding whether the DA’s office is making fewer referrals or if defense attorneys are opting for alternative diversion programs.
Eric Fleming’s journey to becoming a judge began in small-town Mississippi, where he experienced first-hand the challenges faced by young African American males. Reflecting on his youth, he shared, “I was a young African American male who had some friends who did bad things… I felt like no one would believe me or give me a chance.”
Fleming’s transformative experience came from a teacher who believed in him, which had a profound impact, especially when compared to peers who lacked encouragement.
His aspiration for a better future led him to Los Angeles at 17, and he later completed his education at Tulane University. Upon graduation in 1989, he joined the LAPD, where the excitement of police work confirmed his desire to contribute positively to his community.
However, the stark realities of working in law enforcement surfaced quickly, as he described the frequent violence he encountered—“Not a single day went by without a dead body.”
Fleming’s transformative moment occurred on the beat, such as an instance when he nearly had to use his weapon against a 14-year-old boy who brandished a gun. Fortunately, no one was harmed, prompting Fleming to reflect on the interventions that could redirect youth towards better paths.
Following his three years of police work, Fleming pursued a law degree at the University of San Francisco and, after graduating, joined the San Francisco DA’s office in 2004, culminating in his role as head of the homicide division.
In 2015, motivated by the potential for meaningful change, Fleming volunteered for the newly established Young Adult Court, eager to steer at-risk youth away from a cycle of violence and crime.
Returning to the court as a judge, Fleming emphasizes a firm yet understanding approach. He often engages directly with participants, providing both oversight and encouragement.
On Thursdays, the courtroom buzzes with young adults checking in on their progress, a routine that fosters accountability with the guidance of their case managers from the nonprofit Felton Institute.
Fleming notes that he provides feedback based upon discussions with the assistant district attorney, the defendant’s attorney, and the case manager much of the day. Yet, he allows instinct to inform decisions regarding individual cases.
As defendants come forward one by one, Fleming creates an atmosphere that encourages honesty and growth. His light-hearted banter often brings levity to the process, even as he holds young adults accountable for their actions.
For instance, when one participant named Omar explained that he hadn’t saved his case manager’s number, Fleming lightheartedly yet pointedly countered, “I won’t accept that.” Such interactions underscore his commitment to guiding young men toward responsibility.
In each exchange, Fleming aims to instill a sense of purpose and ambition. His pivotal question—“What is your goal?”—serves as a recurring theme throughout the courtroom interactions.
Omar, a father to an eight-month-old daughter, shared his aspirations of being present for his child, highlighting the interconnectedness of parenting with personal progress—a notion Fleming affirms.
Throughout his tenure, Fleming has observed a more structured and established program compared to when he initially helped create it. Participants seem less hesitant to engage, indicating a growing trust in the system, yet underlying challenges remain unchanged.
While the societal landscape brings forth new complexities—from the high risks of modern drug use to increased community demands for law enforcement accountability—the fundamental needs of at-risk youth, as noted by Chan and Hennessey, have remained consistent. These young adults require stable housing, life skills, and mentorship where they can be heard without judgment.
Fleming maintains that, despite the evolving challenges, the essence of what young individuals in the program ultimately seek is connection and the opportunity for guidance.
During a recent check-in, he encouraged a participant who appeared via Zoom, praising him for applying for a job with a local waste management company. “I know you want things to happen fast, and that’s a good quality. Just remember that things don’t happen overnight,” he advised, embodying the encouragement that characterizes his approach.
His final admonishment, suggesting that the participant attend court in a suit and tie, provoked laughter. The dress code for the court is typically more casual, yet this light-hearted challenge underscores Fleming’s hope that these youth will present themselves with the confidence that reflects their potential.
Overall, Judge Eric Fleming’s leadership in the Young Adult Court represents a commitment to rehabilitation and second chances for vulnerable young adults, emphasizing the importance of support and mentorship in overcoming adversity.
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