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| Mo. Considers Lowering Sentencing Guidelines for Drug Offenders |
| By Join Together Online |
| Published: 03/24/2003 |
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In an effort to control growing population and costs at Missouri prisons, lawmakers are considering relaxing the state's tough criminal-sentencing laws for nonviolent drug offenders, the Dunklin Democrat reported March 5. According to Missouri Supreme Court Judge Michael A. Wolff, 56 percent of inmates in state prisons are there for nonviolent offenses, mainly drug-related crimes. He said incarcerating drug offenders could be counterproductive in correcting their behavior. 'You want to punish these persons, but you have to understand most of these people are going to be back in their communities within five years,' Wolff said. 'The question becomes: how do you want them back?' State figures show that 10 years ago the Missouri Department of Corrections cost taxpayers $197.1 million to run. Today, it costs $565.8 million, a 187-percent increase. The rising costs, according to a recent independent report on the state budget, are contributing to the state's overall financial troubles. Lawmakers are working to curb corrections spending by re-examining the system. A bill proposed by Sen. Harold Caskey (D-Butler) would lower the maximum sentences for lesser, non-violent felonies and let judges decide whether stricter sentences for repeat drug offenders should apply on a case-by-case basis. The Missouri Senate is expected to debate the bill in the upcoming weeks. |
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