FAC Note: I saw Nathan Deal speak at the NACDL Conference a couple years ago. It’s good to see a politician follow through on promises.
A criminal justice task force chaired by former Gov. Nathan Deal is recommending sweeping changes to the federal system.
The most notable is a call for the elimination of mandatory-minimum sentences for drug crimes. The task force also asks for the establishment of a “second look” provision that allows people serving lengthy sentences — many of whom are elderly and infirm — to seek sentencing reductions from a federal judge.
The “Next Steps” report, released Wednesday by the Council on Criminal Justice, was submitted by a task force chaired by Deal since June 2019. The bipartisan group’s members include former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates; Mark Holden, retired general counsel of Koch Industries; former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; and David Safavian of the American Conservative Union.
“The report is the strongest indication yet of the depth of political consensus on criminal justice reform,” said Adam Gelb, president and CEO of the Council on Criminal Justice.
The task force recommends 15 changes to the federal criminal justice system that would help continue decreasing the federal prison population from a high of 220,000 in 2013 to 175,000 today.
First and Foremost, it is Violation of the Equal Protection Act of the United States Constitution
Has anyone seen, the Cast of Characters that make up this 14 Member Tribunal?
https://counciloncj.foleon.com/taskforce/federal-priorities/task-force/
Check it out!
every one of ‘THEM’ is flexing their OWN Political Muscles!!!
Why are registered citizens always excluded from reforms? Sometimes I think the government oppression on them is on purpose to make them reoffend; so they can tell the public see they are monsters with high reoffending rates. As always the government is the problem and not the solution.
The first step law is helping many, thankful for less time. Hope the 85% rule will be stopped and allow for inmates to help themselves with good habits and respectful while serving their time. Time to change is well beyond needed.
Here are excerpts from: https://famm.org/wp-content/uploads/First-Step-Act-FAQs.pdf
(No Surprise, sex offenders are excluded.)
Q10: Who is not eligible for earned time credits?
A: The First Step Act is the result of political compromise. As part of the compromise, a number
of offenders are excluded from receiving earned time credits. These offenders include (but are
not limited to) fentanyl traffickers, heroin or methamphetamine traffickers who played a
leadership role in the crime, sex offenders, some immigration offenders, all 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
offenders, and people convicted of other violent offenses.
Q21: What is the elderly prisoner release provision of the First Step Act?
Elderly prisoners are eligible if they
1. Are nonviolent and non-sex offenders;
Do not have prior convictions for federal or state violent or sex crimes;
Elderly terminally ill prisoners are eligible if they
1. Are nonviolent and non-sex offenders;
Do not have prior convictions for federal or state violent or sex crimes;
Q24: How does the First Step Act help people convicted of violent crimes or sex offenses?
A: Many violent and sex offenders are excluded from benefiting from the reforms included in
this Act. However, all federal prisoners will benefit from a few of the reforms, including
increased good time credits (except for those serving life), the 500 driving mile rule (see Q22),
and the compassionate release reforms. (In other words, not a heck-u-va-lot!)
There are a few names on the list that are pretty shady characters. But if there trying to spend some of there Billions on accomplishing something worthwhile ,I don’t care who they are. The system now is so totally unjust and political any change would be an improvement.