|
|
| Michigan Prison Times May Soon Change |
| By WOTV |
| Published: 12/16/2002 |
|
Department of Corrections officials say abiding by a 1998 law is becoming increasingly difficult. The law states criminals sentenced in Michigan must at least serve their minimum sentence. But severe overcrowding and a lack of funding is making that next to impossible. Calhoun County Prosecutor John Hallacy has sat in the county courtroom countless times, listening to victims behind the podium, to juries reach a verdict, and to the judges who sentence the guilty. Ever since 1998, he says prosecutors and the victims can be reassured the guilty will at least do their minimum sentence. 'It's a real sense of security for prosecutors now to tell somebody,' says Hallacy. But Senate Bill 390 may soon change the law that requires criminals to do the minimum time, allowing them to be released early on home tether, not by a judge, but by the Department of Corrections. 'The Department of Corrections is basically putting forth a bill that would eliminate Truth in Sentencing in the state of Michigan,' says Hallacy. Hallacy says the DOC says there is simply not enough money or space to house inmates for their minimum time. So they are proposing altering Truth in Sentencing law. It's a move most people hope legislators vote down. The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan is providing some alternatives like jail inmates up to 18 months, and remove population caps of women's prisons. 'I understand the position the states in money wise,' says Hallacy. 'We have put together other options that should be explored in opposed to doing this, because this will take away a key thing victims rely on.' The House Committee of Criminal Justice is expected to discuss the bill, then it goes back to legislators. It could pass as early as this week. The bill is supported by Governor Engler. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think