Pubdate: Thu, 10 Mar 2016
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2016 Associated Press
Contact: http://services.bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340
Website: http://bostonglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52

CHIEF JUSTICE CALLS FOR REFORMS TO ADDRESS DRUG CRISIS

(AP) - Chief Justice Leigh Saufley says Maine's growing heroin and 
opiate crisis requires sweeping changes to Maine's criminal justice 
system. Saufley, in her annual address to the Legislature, warned on 
Wednesday that the "relentless influx" of new criminal cases could 
overwhelm the court system. She said the number of sentences for 
serious drug crimes jumped from 1,300 in 2013 to nearly 1,800 in 
2015. Saufley said the courts need more sentencing options, and the 
state needs more programs for addicts, both before they are charged 
with a crime and after they leave prison. She also called for more 
drug treatment housing for youths and adults. She said addicts who 
leave prison also need more treatment housing options.
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