The Georgia state legislature is considering adding to House Bill 1176, a law passed last year aimed at reducing the number of people sent to prison. Although some critics want the law thrown out, a blue-ribbon panel—the Georgia Criminal Justice Reform Council—has recommended further changes that will cut back on prison sentences.
According to the council report, Georgia should allow judges the latitude to disregard some mandatory minimum sentences for adults. In addition, the state should also consider some changes including:
- Keeping low-risk youth out of juvenile detention through “restorative justice”—community service in their own neighborhood
- Allowing judges to set lower minimum sentences for some drug trafficking charges
- Letting judges lighten sentences for “Romeo and Juliet” cases—sex cases in which both parties are youth
- Granting those with suspended driver’s licenses conditional permits if they are meeting certain standards and are supervised closely
Last year’s law already raised the minimum amount for felony shoplifting from $300 to $500, and a first-time check forger is no longer a felon. This charge results in a misdemeanor up to $1,500.
Some people do not like the proposed changes. According to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills, these legal maneuvers interfere with his job. “The only thing we want to come out of that Capitol up there is nothing else that’s going to interfere.” Sills said. He maintains that the changes simply send state prisoners to the counties and that there will be more criminals on the street.
However, proponents maintain that the legal changes will result in avoiding an expected 8% increase in the number of inmates and save up to $264 million.
If you have been accused of a crime—either a misdemeanor or a felony—and need legal help, contact an Alpharetta criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Scott Miller. The number is 770-408-1001 and the consultation is free. Call today—we can help!
