Non-violent Criminals Behind Bars

Just in case no one knows, the overcrowding in our county prisons is astronomical. It’s the taxpayers that pick up the slack for most of it with our taxes...why not do something about it. There are counseling programs and halfway houses that could help these non-violent offenders. The court system should give those things a shot before just throwing them behind bars. I’ve been reading some things in the media lately that have me concerned about the whole justice system. There are violent, repeat criminals that have lighter sentences than some first time minor offenders. To me, something is wrong with that picture.

Now, I’m not saying we should sit here and have compassion for them all. If you think about it, maybe there are some that deserve a little compassion...another chance. Before sending them off to prison, it would be nice to get a complete picture of who that person is. Possibly look at the entire background of what led them down that path. The economy is spiraling out of control to begin with, this could be a step in the right direction. I know not everyone thinks the same as me regarding this topic...that’s fine. My desire here isn’t to have everyone agree with me, I just have a point to prove. After reading what I have to say...maybe a few more people will understand...

There are some people I know that are currently in county prison for unpaid child support...here’s the catch. They have been paying support, just can’t get caught up on the arrears that got added from the filing date to the hearing date. When someone files for support, they back date that amount to when it was originally filed. That means if the hearing isn’t for 2 months after the filing date, support is automatically in arrears. I have a few friends that pay well over $1000 a month for 2 kids...so, if you go in for the hearing, that puts you over $2000 behind instantly. These are people that spend an equal amount of time with their kids, but their ex-spouse doesn’t feel like getting a job. One of them has his kids a majority of the time...and his ex is out partying with his money. Maybe it’s more than just the criminal justice system that needs looked at here!

The non-violent criminals that I just mentioned are all in county jail even though they pay what they’re supposed to and just can’t get caught up. They couldn’t even afford to have their own place...they moved in with family members while their ex’s end up in nice big houses! When they go off to work release, the county takes their incarceration fee before anything and whatever is left will go towards the support. There’s never enough left to pay the current monthly amount, which leaves the arrears becoming higher and higher. It’s a lose/lose situation!

It’s more than just the domestic end of it that frustrates me as well...there are minor DUI offenders that are sent there instead of having the chance at ARD...even after they prove they don’t drive on a suspended license. Some are locked away because of a non-violent disorderly conduct charge that has a total fine of $144...what’s the sense in that. These are offenders that didn’t hurt anyone...never had an intention of hurting anyone...and attempt to be good citizens. Let’s teach them a lesson in a different way instead of overcrowding the prison system even more. Maybe we’ll all save some tax money if that was to happen!