"Three-strike" lifers get a second chance in Calif. prisons

[Jazzy]

FOLSOM, Ca. - California prisons are so overcrowded that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the conditions amount to cruel and unusual punishment. The state is caught between a tight budget and its "three strikes" law, which imposes a life sentence after convictions. Last Fall, voters approved a plan to release some of those lifers.

Proposition 36 allows three-strikers to ask judges to let them out early.

Forty-six-year-old Aaron Collins thought he'd only leave prison in a coffin.

His crime? Selling a small amount of marijuana to other inmates. Collins was already serving time for two prior convictions: A non-violent burglary and another robbery. That made him a third striker.

Collins said he knew there was a three-strikes law, but he took the risk anyway.

This month, Collins became one of the first third-strikers to make their case in front of a judge.

The judge ruled he could be released.

Most of these inmates don't go out with any support -- just $200 and a "good luck." So, if they re-offend -- and it's likely that many will since 80 percent of parolees re-offend -- then that new crime is considered a third strike. Under the new law judges have more discretion, so a judge will decide whether a life sentence in now appropriate.

Source

So a guy who knew there was a three-strikes law, went right ahead and broke it. Now, he gets released into the public. Want to take bets on how long it will be before he's right back in there?

What do you think of the Three Strikes Law?

 

[Evil Eye]

Given that it doesn't appear to be sustainable, I'd say it's no good.

Anyway, I believe we might have some prison space for hire.

 

[Jazzy]

80 percent of parolees re-offend -- then that new crime is considered a third strike

Okay and then they go before the judge and the judge releases them again. Where does this stop? It's like being on a broken carousel ride.

 

[Evil Eye]

It doesn't stop until someone comes up with a better idea.

 

[Jazzy]

It doesn't stop until someone comes up with a better idea.

Here's an idea.....how about we stop making prisons vacation resorts. Perhaps that would make them think twice before committing a crime. Just give them a cell, a toilet, a metal bed and that's it!

 

[Evil Eye]

Doubt it would work, but it would make 'em cheaper at least.

 

[Jazzy]

The people who voted for this must be real proud of themselves. Letting felons back out on the streets only to re-offend again. Brilliant move folks!