Pubdate: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 Source: Ada Evening News, The (OK) Copyright: 2003 The Ada Evening News Contact: http://www.adaeveningnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1546 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES COULD BE A THING OF THE PAST The Tulsa World on prison sentences: The Oklahoma Sentencing Commission should give serious consideration to a proposal by state prosecutors to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences in exchange for reclassification of other crimes. Considering the number of inmates in the state penal system - more than 22,000 - the plan could be a fair trade. District Attorneys Council President Rob Wallace received a lukewarm reception when he laid out a proposal to the sentencing commission that would abolish mandatory minimums if drug distribution and trafficking were made violent crimes. Elimination of mandatory minimum sentences wouldn't apply to habitual or violent offenders. Some commission members justifiably are concerned that classifying distribution and trafficking as violent crimes would prevent those convicted from receiving treatment. Commission member Ged Wright said automatically locking up manufacturers won't fix the drug problem because some offenders may need treatment. Wright makes a good point. Almost all drug offenders, who account for a huge portion of the prison population, eventually will return to the community. While it's not a guarantee, treatment could help reduce recidivism and those offenders locked up for long periods should also receive treatment. On another front, Tulsa Rep. Lucky Lamons argues that Tulsa should get more assistant prosecutors to handle drug courts. District attorneys support increased use of drug courts and community sentencing, but say they need more staff. They propose giving each of the 27 district attorneys a new assistant, with Tulsa and Oklahoma counties each getting an extra. If there's money to hire 29 new prosecutors then the powers-that-be should certainly look at giving Tulsa and Oklahoma counties more than two new assistants apiece. All jurisdictions are not created equal. There's no question that the urban areas desperately need more manpower to handle the drug courts than rural areas. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh