We are talking about crimes like drug possession. Going through drug court is not easy. I know that personally. It help people get straight, become active members of society and give back instead of learning how to be a worse criminal when they go to Prison. Again, Drug court is a very difficult program to complete. If they don’t, they go to jail. But why not give people a chance?
Well, of course, Jared’s bill would reduce the sentences of those in prison, and as Ann points out, with plea bargaining the rule rather than the exception, many with “only” nonviolent drug convictions are really guilty of much worse.
But I do know that prison is often the only place where people get clean, because they are forcibly off of drugs for so long. And even then they are most likely to go back to their previous life and addiction at some point.
But I get where you are coming from. The drug problem we have is huge, and it makes sense to try lots of different ways to help people — until we have found ways that work seem to really work.
I’m glad to hear your testimony on that approach.