Florida Practices for Drug Offenses Prove Questionable

Many states have been implementing procedures that lengthen prison sentences for drug-related offenses. In doing so, there have been many costs but not many benefits.

2012-07-13

July 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) Across the nation, drug offenders make up the largest group of federal inmates, based on the crime committed. This type of crime is considered "victimless" because it often does not involve another person who is directly harmed by the drug crime, but states such as Florida are nevertheless requiring these inmates to spend more time behind bars. The war on drugs is responsible for the heightened incarceration rates and the increased prison terms.

The Study

A recent study conducted by the Pew Center on the States found that there has been a nationwide increase in the amount of time spent in jail since 1990. Florida in particular is the leader with an increase of 166 percent. The study also found that little public benefit was derived from this increase.

The Results in the Community

The results of the study showed that the cost of this increase is becoming a large burden on state budgets. It cost states approximately $10 billion a year to lengthen these sentences. The study further found that the longer sentences are not leading to a reduction in crime; however, states that are implementing shorter sentences are seeing a reduction in crime.

The Implications

In short, the practices being implemented mean more jail time, more costs and fewer results. It is of utmost importance that individuals charged with drug crimes put up a strong defense in court in order to avoid being caught up in law enforcement's rush to incarcerate. Otherwise, a good portion of their next several years could be spent behind bars, along with other long-term consequences to their careers and personal lives.

If you have been accused of a drug offense, talking to a defense attorney near you may be the difference between a long jail sentence and a more reasonable settlement.

Article provided by Damore Delgado Romanik & Rawlins
Visit us at www.communitylawfirm.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Ohio DUI/OVI Arrests Up Significantly in Latest Statistics

2012-07-13

The legal consequences of a drunk driving arrest in Ohio range from fines and criminal sanctions to driver's license suspension. But the collateral costs -- higher insurance rates, difficulty getting to work and restrictions on employment opportunities -- can be every bit as harsh. More drivers are being arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OVI), according to the latest statistics released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). Law enforcement officers statewide made more than 23,000 OVI arrests in 2011, an increase ...

New Technology May Change the Way Texas DWI Offenders are Monitored

2012-07-13

If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated in Texas, the court may require you to install and maintain an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to six months if you are a first-time offender. If you have previous drunk-driving convictions, or have caused an accident due to drunk driving, the court is required by law to order the installation of an IID your vehicle. The court may also order you to abstain from using alcohol or other mood-altering substances altogether as a condition of your probation. Terms of Probation To ensure they follow their ...

Ohio DUI Charge Can Lead to a Lifetime Driving Ban

2012-07-13

A first conviction for OVI in Ohio is a serious legal matter, and most people know that the consequences rise significantly for the second or third DUI/OVI a driver faces. Repeat OVI defense requires a clear understanding of the law and a full assessment of the chances of fines, license suspensions, issuance of restricted license plates and incarceration. A recent case in Loraine County involved a driver who had avoided one severe consequence due to a bureaucratic oversight. After he struck and killed a two-year-old boy in 1992 while driving drunk on a motorcycle, the ...

Illinois Not Checking Doctors' Credentials; May Hurt Patient Safety

2012-07-13

Many patients trust their doctors. Some patients take the time to do research before choosing providers and others may simply trust that hospitals hire competent staff. Regardless of the process used to choose a doctor, most patients trust that they are receiving quality care when they make appointments. Unfortunately, a recent article by the Chicago Tribune may make patients question their doctors' competence. The article reports that Illinois is slowly falling in its national ranking "among the states for its rate of serious disciplinary actions taken against ...

Red Light Cameras: Ohio City Sees Reduction of Car Accidents

2012-07-13

For injury victims and their families, car accidents are difficult to understand. It is especially difficult when the car accident is caused by a blatant violation of the law such as driving under the influence or speeding. Setting aside the common-sense driving standards that the law imposes due to recklessness or a personal lapse of judgment is simply unacceptable. No traffic violation is more blatant than running a red light or stop sign, which can easily lead to an automotive collision or tragic accident with a bicyclist or pedestrian. For that reason, many communities ...

The Causes and Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

2012-07-13

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that can occur after someone suffers a blow, jolt or bump to the head, or when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year 1.7 million people suffer from a traumatic brain injury, and a TBI is a contributing factor in about 30 percent of all injury-related deaths in the country. Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the causes of traumatic brain injury include: - Falls, such as down steps, from a ladder, or slipping ...

Feds Remove 287 Negligent Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers From the Road

2012-07-13

Anyone driving on the road in any size vehicle knows the risk is always there of an accident. But when a car, SUV or van collides with a semi truck, it's no secret which vehicle's occupants have the higher risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries. Federal Safety Efforts The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the federal agency responsible for preventing motor-vehicle accidents with large commercial trucks and motor-coach passenger buses. Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the FMCSA runs a yearly sweep in which it focuses on commercial drivers ...

Enjoy Great Rates Plus Free Breakfast at the Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel and Suites

2012-07-13

Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel North, located near Dunwoody, GA, announces a special saving package for guests to enjoy. Available for a limited time, the Free Breakfast offer includes: - Great rates from $99 - Full American breakfast for two daily Reference rate plan BARB when booking; some restrictions may apply. "Conveniently located only 15 miles north of downtown Atlanta and easily accessible from all major Georgia highways, our Dunwoody hotel is a great place for both area business and leisure travelers alike," explains Ajay Sethi, the Sheraton ...

Atlanta Bankruptcy Firm Clark & Washington Explains How Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Differ

2012-07-13

Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys Clark & Washington wish to educate the public about some of the differences between filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows for two primary personal bankruptcy filings: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Each is geared towards a specific type of debtor. Chapter 7 is most commonly used when the individual holds little property outside of basic necessities (like clothing and furniture) and/or when the individual has little to no money left over after covering basic expenses every month. Chapter 13 is most frequently ...

Clark & Washington Reports 454 Chattanooga Bankruptcies for April, 2012

2012-07-13

If you are a Chattanooga resident facing a rocky financial future and considering the option of personal bankruptcy, the Chattanooga bankruptcy lawyers at Clark & Washington want you to know that you are not alone. A total of 454 personal bankruptcy suits were filed in Chattanooga in April, 2012, bringing the number of cases that have been filed since January, 2012, to 1871. It can be difficult to admit that you are financially sinking. All too often, Chattanooga residents overlook the possibility of filing for bankruptcy because they are unaware of it even being ...