Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jul 2003 Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA) Copyright: 2003 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Contact: http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28 Author: Robert E. Keller SENTENCING RULES CAN'T BE RUSHED As a former co-chair of the Commission on Certainty in Sentencing, I must respond to a recent editorial ("Perdue must steer passage of sentencing guidelines," June 18). First, the commission was established by Gov. Roy Barnes to study sentencing and render a final report. That report was issued in December 2002. The commission was automatically abolished as a matter of law with the change of administrations. Gov. Sonny Perdue had an early interest in the recommendations, however, and began probing into how some of them could be implemented immediately. Consensus is building that sentencing guidelines could ease prison overcrowding over time. Moreover, the options for sentencing (transition centers, supervised probation, drug and alcohol treatment centers) are expected to transition many inmates into society where they will work and live as law-abiding citizens. Perdue's approach is judicious, contemplative and filled with the careful coordination that must take place before the guidelines can be implemented. ROBERT E. KELLER Keller is district attorney of the Clayton Judicial Circuit. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom