Mandatory Sentences

NONVIOLENT DRUG OFFENDERS ARE UNFAIRLY PUNISHED BY JUDICIAL SYSTEM

I followed the trial about the vehicular killing of the 6-year-old child by
a repeat alcohol offender who also had a history of other offenses.

I would like for the Herald-Journal, when printing information about
sentences in future articles, to include whether a sentence is considered
mandatory or maximum, when or if the convicted person would be eligible for
parole and what percentage, if any, of his sentence he must serve.

The Herald-Journal stated that this man was sentenced to the 40-year
maximum. I wonder whether he will serve the full 40 years or whether he
will end up being released early either for good behavior or to make room
for other, often nonviolent, inmates.

It is quite clear to me that this man never served enough time after his
past convictions to make him think about straightening up and changing his
life. How does one change his life after being involved in two deaths?

But at least he got that opportunity, unlike a friend of mine who is
serving a mandatory sentence of 15 years for a first-time, nonviolent drug
offense with no chance for early release or parole.

I feel it would be in the newspaper readers' best interest if we were
informed of all conditions of possible early release after sentencing. This
would help us gauge the justice system in all aspects of fairness in the
hope that we can somehow change the sentencing laws that are unfair.

Tina P. Hughes