Limited in scope, Proposition 36 covers only those charged with a
"nonviolent drug possession" offense (NVDPO). Any other charges,
including child neglect, domestic violence or those involving a
firearm, are not protected. Proposition 36 states that a person will
receive at most probation for a NVDPO, and requires able offenders to
contribute monetarily toward their treatment costs. That offender then
gets up to three NVDPO violations while on probation before he becomes
ineligible for Proposition 36 protection.

If probation requirements, such as a completed drug treatment program
and a vocational course, are satisfied, the court may dismiss the
charge and remove the offense from the offender's record. Proposition
36 will not lessen fines or other court-imposed sanctions on those
offenders "unamenable" to treatment, but 30 days will be the maximum
jail time allowed for an NVDPO. In effect, drug users, like
alcoholics, will be kept out of prison until they have committed a
crime.

Vote Yes on Proposition 36.

Mark Pritchett,
Sacramento

Bookmark: For Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act items:
http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm