DRUG ADDICTS GET A NEW TREATMENT OPTION

Under recently enacted legislation, nonviolent, drug- or
alcohol-addicted criminals can reduce their minimum prison stays if
they participate in prison treatment programs.

The Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive program was enacted Nov. 24,
giving county judges a new sentencing tool to help drug-addicted
offenders kick the habits that lead them to commit crimes.

Eric Herman, 23, a serial burglar whose heroin addiction fueled his
desire to invade numerous homes in eastern Montgomery County, has
become the first criminal in the county to be sentenced under the new program.

Herman can reduce his minimum six-year state prison sentence to five
years if he successfully completes all treatment recommendations.

The program, commonly referred to as "Triple R-I," allows eligible
nonviolent offenders to receive reductions of their minimum state
prison sentences if they successfully complete all required
treatment and maintain good-conduct records in prison.

Prisoners can be released upon completing the program only if
officials are satisfied that the offenders pose no risks to public safety.

Under the program, an eligible offender who satisfies all
requirements can be paroled after serving three-fourths of their
minimum sentence for punishments up to three years, and five-sixths
of their minimum sentence for sentences greater than three years.

For example, an offender sentenced to six to 15 years in prison
could be paroled after serving just five years if that offender
successfully completes all RRRI requirements.

For an offender who is eligible for the incentive and receives a
two- to four-year sentence, the RRRI minimum would be 18 months,
according to the new legislation.

Under the state law, only those who commit less serious crimes are
eligible for the program.

Drug kingpins or those who have committed a personal injury crime, a
sex crime or a crime with a firearm are not eligible, according to
the new law.

Typically, the eligible offenders are those who are addicted to
drugs or alcohol, officials said. There must also be evidence that
the addictions are the prime motivating factors that led the
offenders to commit crimes.

A judge determines if an offender is eligible for the RRRI program
at time of sentencing. Prosecutors have the opportunity to argue
against or in favor of eligibility.

Once a judge determines an RRRI sentence is appropriate, the judge
will impose two minimum sentences - one for the RRRI minimum and
another regular minimum sentence.

While in the state prison system, the eligible offenders are
evaluated for treatment needs and risks and offered counseling and
treatment programs specifically geared toward their individual
needs. The treatment programs are designed to reduce the risk of
recidivism, officials said.

If an offender satisfies all requirements of the program that
offender can be released early after the Pennsylvania Board of
Probation and Parole verifies that there is an adequate parole plan
developed to assist the inmate in re-entering society.

If an offender does not meet the requirements that offender will not
be released at the RRRI minimum sentence date and will be considered
for parole on or after the regular minimum sentence date.