Quote:
Originally Posted by Antitrust32
How about stop locking up drug users and save the country billions?
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Drug users or those convicted of minor drug offenses are rarely sentenced to prison unless it is a violation of probation or a charge picked up while incarcerated. In IL the average time served for murder is less than 15 years.
I know the State of CA has a three strike policy so releasing those in for minor shoplifting and drug charges I have no problem with.
Here's some info from the Fed on the subject
There is a myth in this country that U.S. prisons are filled with drug users. This assertion is simply not true. Actually, only 5 percent of inmates in federal prison on drug charges are incarcerated for drug possession. In our state prisons, it’s somewhat higher—about 27% of drug offenders. In New York, which has received criticism from some because of its tough Rockefeller drug laws, it is estimated that 97% of drug felons sentenced to prison were charged with sale or intent to sell, not simply possession. In fact, first time drug offenders, even sellers, typically do not go to prison.
http://www.justice.gov/dea/demand/speakout/10so.htm