The sentences for Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara have been handed down, but their negative impact on Kern County could last longer than their five year sentences.

Today, many defense attorneys across the county received letters sent by the District Attorney's office regarding cases Diaz and/or Mara were active participants in from 2010-2014.

Active participants means Diaz and Mara gathered evidence, took witness statements or conducted interviews.

64 letters were sent by the District Attorney's office, and the Public Defenders office received two letters, one regarding all cases Mara worked on and the other for Diaz.

Over 40 clients of the Public Defender's Office were affected by Mara and/or Diaz's participation.

Attorneys that 23ABC spoke to said the next course of action is to review the cases involved and speak to the defendants before planning a course of action.

Cases could potentially be retried or a new plea deal could be reached if the removal of Diaz and/or Mara's participation could have changed the outcome of the case.