Recently, some California legislators have considered reducing penalties for small drug possession offenders in order to cut prison costs. It’s not a radical change, but it may be a move in a positive direction. But, what are the repercussions for California’s felons, individual citizens and the bail bond industry if such a move is made?
California lawmaker Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), wants to reduce the penalty for simple drug possession from a Felony to a Misdemeanor. He was the first to see this as a viable solution to overcrowding in many of the state’s prisons.
He firmly believes this decision will help curtail the prison system budget, which has been inflated to out-of-control levels.
Mark Leno has already drafted a bill to this effect. Cutting drug penalty costs seems like a clean and simple idea. However, Leno’s proposal has sparked a heated debate.
John Redman, Director of a public policy action group called “Californians for Drug Free Youth” sees this move as nothing short of a plot. He fears California’s youth will view slacker laws as a free pass to try harder drugs.
For years, many in the bail bond industry have shown strong opinion that increased drug charges and penalties may not deter those who are determined to experiment with drugs. Also, defendants who have done their time in prison for minor possession charges may still continue to be vilified on their record, often making it impossible for them to get a job which might lift them out of depressing economic struggle – one of the reasons they may take drugs in the first place.
California’s branch of the American Civil Liberties Union is also in favor of Senator Leno’s legislation. They see it as good way to hold individual offenders accountable for their actions, get them the treatment they need, and freeing up the prison system to handle much harder criminals who should be incarcerated; and not on the streets.
Leno’s suggestion is heavily supported by the general public. Many Californians favor a decrease in jail time for small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and other drugs – especially if the arrestee has completed a drug treatment program.
In the meantime, whatever side of the fence you happen to be on, it’s business as usual in California. Drug offenders continue to get arrested, face large fines and long prison terms.
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