Va. official urges sentencing changes
Virginia Department of Corrections director Gene Johnson says the state is spending too much money locking up nonviolent offenders.
Speaking at a statewide conference on prisoner re-entry Tuesday, Johnson said the state should stop doling out lengthy prison sentences to those "we're mad at" such as nonviolent criminals and those with drug convictions.
He said the state should instead focus on locking away violent criminals.
About a third of state inmates are serving time for nonviolent crimes.
Johnson told a crowd of government officials, private businesses and faith-based groups that help those transitioning from prison that those changes must be made by the legislature. He urged attendants to educate lawmakers to change the “lock-them-up-and-throw-away-the-key” mentality.
-- Associated Press
By
Washington Post Editors
|
July 27, 2010; 2:49 PM ET
Categories:
Prison Beat
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Virginia
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Posted by: jckdoors | July 27, 2010 3:49 PM | Report abuse
it is amazing that the pharmaceutical company shoves stuff down our collective throats is legal and the effects of which are largely unresearched (accutaine, paxil, abilify, prozac, zoloft, percocet, and whatever treats RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME)
just because it is prescribed by someone in a white coat, it must be ok.
people are dum. we are being hoodwinked by the drug companies. wake up, and embrace a natural remedy that is far less harmful to the user and society. it's called marijuana..
Posted by: wordup1 | July 27, 2010 10:11 PM | Report abuse
Just because they are locked up on drug charges does NOT mean they are non-violent, especially drug distribution charges.
Often, drug charges are simply the easiest to charge and convict after the plea bargain.
Posted by: RealityCheckerInEffect | July 28, 2010 2:26 AM | Report abuse
For example: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crime-scene/virginia/death-sentence-of-va-inmate-wh.html
Posted by: RealityCheckerInEffect | July 28, 2010 2:46 AM | Report abuse
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Hey, there is an adult working for Virginia.