An Atlanta criminal defense law firm is applauding a new law that
will study criminal sentencing alternatives in response to spiraling
state prison costs and research favoring treatment and therapy for
non-violent offenders.
The Ford Law Firm, located in Alpharetta GA, is a criminal defense law firm specializing in various offenses, from assault and battery to sex crimes and murder. The firm serves the residents of the Atlanta metro area, as well as throughout the state, and views the new law's passage as an important acknowledgement of weaknesses in the current criminal sentencing process.
The law will create a bipartisan, 13-member commission. It will study prison sentencing reforms that will provide alternate sentences for non-violent offenders, thereby drastically reducing Georgia prison costs, which stand in excess of $1 billion dollars spent annually. This corrections budget is the highest in the nation.
Governor Nathan Deal, one of the bill's most ardent proponents, who after State Representative Jay Neal (R-Lafayette) introduced the bill in November 2010, rallied legislators to get behind in full support the study because as he puts it, "The cost is too high. Recidivism rates are too high and rehab is rare." Governor Deal also points out that it costs taxpayers $18,000 per year to incarcerate one inmate. Another grim statistic: Georgia has the fourth highest re-incarceration rate in the nation.
The Governor feels that those non-violent offenders such as drug addicts and the mentally ill would be best served in some by attempting to rehabilitate outside of the penal system because "as well all know, drug addiction is the root cause of most crime." This could very well have far-reaching ramifications and could potentially extend to anyone who is a repeat DUI offender. Alcoholism is, in fact, a disease and a likely causality for driving under the influence. Be advised that the Ford Firm has an excellent team of skilled Atlanta DUI lawyers who should be consulted immediately if you have been charged with a DUI.
What was once a divisive, politically risky, hot-button top has virtually gotten the support of most lawmakers. House Bill 265 passed by a landslide vote of 169-1 within the Georgia House of Representatives on March 16, 2011 and on April 22, 2010 the Governor signed the bill into law. Other vocal proponents are House Speaker David Ralston, Chief Justice Carol Hunstein, and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.
The commission will have until 2012 to report their findings in order for legislators to act on them in the next legislative session. For more information about the Ford Firm, and to contact an experienced Atlanta DUI attorney, visit http://www.thefordfirm.com.
The Ford Law Firm, located in Alpharetta GA, is a criminal defense law firm specializing in various offenses, from assault and battery to sex crimes and murder. The firm serves the residents of the Atlanta metro area, as well as throughout the state, and views the new law's passage as an important acknowledgement of weaknesses in the current criminal sentencing process.
The law will create a bipartisan, 13-member commission. It will study prison sentencing reforms that will provide alternate sentences for non-violent offenders, thereby drastically reducing Georgia prison costs, which stand in excess of $1 billion dollars spent annually. This corrections budget is the highest in the nation.
Governor Nathan Deal, one of the bill's most ardent proponents, who after State Representative Jay Neal (R-Lafayette) introduced the bill in November 2010, rallied legislators to get behind in full support the study because as he puts it, "The cost is too high. Recidivism rates are too high and rehab is rare." Governor Deal also points out that it costs taxpayers $18,000 per year to incarcerate one inmate. Another grim statistic: Georgia has the fourth highest re-incarceration rate in the nation.
The Governor feels that those non-violent offenders such as drug addicts and the mentally ill would be best served in some by attempting to rehabilitate outside of the penal system because "as well all know, drug addiction is the root cause of most crime." This could very well have far-reaching ramifications and could potentially extend to anyone who is a repeat DUI offender. Alcoholism is, in fact, a disease and a likely causality for driving under the influence. Be advised that the Ford Firm has an excellent team of skilled Atlanta DUI lawyers who should be consulted immediately if you have been charged with a DUI.
What was once a divisive, politically risky, hot-button top has virtually gotten the support of most lawmakers. House Bill 265 passed by a landslide vote of 169-1 within the Georgia House of Representatives on March 16, 2011 and on April 22, 2010 the Governor signed the bill into law. Other vocal proponents are House Speaker David Ralston, Chief Justice Carol Hunstein, and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.
The commission will have until 2012 to report their findings in order for legislators to act on them in the next legislative session. For more information about the Ford Firm, and to contact an experienced Atlanta DUI attorney, visit http://www.thefordfirm.com.
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