House Bill 1176 was introduced this week, marking several potentially progressive changes to the Georgia criminal justice system. Keeping in line with what Gov. Deal said was important in his state of the state address, lawmakers are hoping to reduce some prison terms, and divert some offenders into treatment as an alternative to incarceration. [Read more…]
Georgia Gov Deal Calls For More Drug Treatment, Less Incarceration
In his state of the state address a few weeks ago, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal promised to support further efforts to curb recidivism and close the revolving door that sends so many Georgians back to prison once released. He wants more drug courts and greater drug treatment programs for those accused of drug-related offenses, hoping to stop the addictions that often lead to criminal behavior. [Read more…]
Georgia Offenders Released From Sex Offender Registry
The Georgia sex offender registry was known as being one of the most all-encompassing in the nation. New changes recently made, however, are allowing some offenders to get their named removed from the list and move on with their life. In an effort to save law enforcement time and money, some low risk offenders will no longer be required to register and others can petition the court to have their name removed on a case by case basis. [Read more…]
Criminal Sentences of 100+ Years Getting More Common
Georgia judges and those around the country are taking part in a new trend. The trend involves sending convicted criminals to prison for sentences they can’t possibly serve. An article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution suggests the sentences are an effort by judges to show others, including the parole board, that these inmates are “off limits” for early release. [Read more…]
Former Judge’s Criminal Defense May Open Door to Appeals
A few weeks ago we reported on the sentencing of a former federal judge, adjudicated for buying drugs with his stripper-girlfriend, negotiating the purchase with weapons in the vehicle, and giving her a state purchased laptop. Part of his plea for leniency included the effects of a years-old motorcycle accident, an accident that resulted in brain damage and reportedly a subsequent lack of impulse control. It was unclear at the time when the judge was mounting his own defense if he knew this defense would open the floodgates for offenders he had sentenced from the bench. [Read more…]
Georgia District Attorney Speaks Out Against Sentencing Guidelines
In the world of criminal courts, the district attorney is the long arm of the law. They represent the state in criminal cases, hoping to gain a conviction, sometimes at all costs. This figure is usually interested in stiff penalties and laws that make those penalties a possibility. One District Attorney, however, is speaking out against a potential move that could strengthen criminal penalties, an odd move given his position. [Read more…]