PUNISHMENTS TOO LAX

Consistency in our judicial system is needed ---- craved, actually, as
many of us witness sentencings that don't always match the crime. As
this is an outside view (not coming from the judges bench), citizens
need to pay more attention to the message our courts are sending.

Locally, we can see a drunk driving conviction with a fine of over
$600 and a one-year driving prohibition (not including the ignition
interlock program). On a drug conviction, such as possessing crack
cocaine, the fine is usually less. Why is that?

No one is saying being caught drunk driving is less or worse than
possessing hardcore drugs. The problem lies in the message that it
sends to the public. With the severe drug problem in our community,
and many others across the province, we need to ask why fines aren't
greater for drug possession and possession for the purpose of
trafficking?

Career criminals in the drug world see many of the fines as a drop in
the bucket ---- just a crimp in their bank account neatly tucked away.

Continuing to increase the fines associated with drug convictions is
one option, but so is more strict penalties for jail terms. Instead of
always giving community sentences or placing them on a conditional
sentence order with a fine, think about the greater impact a jail
sentence may have on the individual. It may work and it may not. But
one thing is for sure, it will keep them off the streets for a while.

For some people filling our jails with 'menial' offences, such as drug
possession, is considered a waste of time. However what if that person
was caught for the fifth time selling methamphetamines and this time
they were caught on school grounds at the local junior high? Then is
it OK to put them in jail because it may affect your child?

Drinking and driving is equally important. We all hear the same
speeches from judges when they give the lecture that this behaviour
won't be tolerated. However, when someone re-offends during their
driving prohibition and they're only placed on further restrictions,
instead of jail time, where is our confidence in the judicial system?
Gone.

If someone is hell-bent on disobeying their court order, why keep
giving them third, fourth or fifth chances? It's frustrating to the
public, as well as the law officials that continually pick up these
people when they disrespect a court order.

If someone has truly learned their lesson and has felt remorseful for
their actions, than chances are we won't see them again in court.

But unfortunately not all good intentions stay that way. In some
cases, our courts continue to hear excuses upon excuses, sob stories
to tug at your heart strings as the accused stands before the judge
hoping to get a little bit of pity and empathy so their sentence is
reduced.

Does this tactic work? Hard to say. But one this is for sure, too many
people are given too many chances to continue the criminal path they
choose to follow, and along the way let's hope they don't pull your
son or daughter down with them.