HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 02-10 Area officials back determinate sentencing THE REVIEW Page 12 Tues.,Feb.10,1976 THE REVIEW
Area officials back determinate sentencing
by Scott Carlson prisoners could reduce their terms in half Oakdale Police Chief Ron Wagner Lais noted."They fit into the institution an uphill battle this session. the determination of a convicted
A bill which would establish minimum for each day of good behavior. agreed. At this point plea bargaining like a duck takes to water." Local legislators;Rep.Dick Kostohryz, criminal's sentencing,he said."The fact
sentences for individuals convicted of However the prisoner would always could negate any benefit that a minimum James Bradford,a Maplewood resident DFL-50B, Rep. Mike George-DFL-50A of the matter is you're going to have some
certain crimes has,in concept,gained the know just what his minimum term would sentence might have,he indicated. and assistant attorney general assigned and Sen.Jerry Hughes,DFL-50;offered a people serving armed robbery for the first
backing of local police chiefs, city at- be.For example a prisoner guilty of first But if enforced by the courts deter- to the state corrections department noted variety of reactions to the bill. time."
torneys and area legislative represen- degree murder,proposed as a 20 year minate sentencing should deter criminal the best criminals are often master"con "I'll support the bill because the public One important factor, the freshman
tatives. sentence,could theoretically reduce the activity,Wagner feels."I think it would artists." The abolition of the Parole is probably demanding that,"Kostohryz legislator contended,is being overlooked
Those individuals interviewed by the term down to eight and a half years with be a big factor in discouraging repeat Board would remove the"game-playing" said,"but I don't know if it's going to be a — adequate counseling. "I'm not
Review doubt that any measure will be a time off for good behavior and judicial offenders." that goes on in the institutions,Bradford deterrent to crime. suggesting the people who were there
cure-all. But they do believe that the discretion to reduce the term initially by Maplewood city attorney Don Lais,who said. "When we had the death sentence it (counseling at the prisons) are not
current system of indeterminate sen- 15 percent. supports the concept, believes that no Convicts would tend not to volunteer for didn't prevent murder,"he pointed out. competent,"he said."But the problem is
fencing has failed.And they point out that Asked if he believes this bill would help legislation will act to deter criminal rehabilitation programs for the sake of George,at this point,admits that he has that there are not enough of them."
Sen. William McCutcheon's bill, which to deter criminal activity, Maplewood activity until more criminals are ap- seeking early release but as a means to mixed feelings. "Until we deal with that we're never
would establish determinate sentences,is Police Chief Dick Schaller said, "We prehended and convicted. help themselves,he continued. "It is clear that the present system of going to have a good solution on the
at least worth a try. think it would."Right now,he said,it is "Until we can make it so that crime Sheldon Caswell, city attorney for indeterminate sentencing is not working problem when someone is released,"
The legislation, as originally in- easy for people to"beat the system"and does not pay we won't be able to do North St.Paul,favors the McCutcheon to protect society,"George said."...I'm George concluded.
traduced,would set definite prison terms many see it as a lucrative way to earn much,"Lais contended. bill because the executive branch in willing to try the alternative." Hughes,who admits that he has not
for those individuals convicted of mur- money. Lais, like members of Gov. Wendell Minnesota has not taken any action to But he added,"I get nervous because studied the detailed provisions of the bill,'
der;aggravated assault,with and without "If you feel you can continue to beat the Anderson's staff,is concerned that the shape up the prisons. we'll be picking and choosing among the believes there is merit to the concept of
bodily harm; kidnapping and various system you begin to think it's okay to beat McCutcheon bill may not deal adequately Although the McCutcheon bill has crimes, like robbery. It is a value determinate sentencing.
sexual crimes.Under the bill the Min- the system,"Schaller continued. with those individuals who are generated favorable comments at the judgment which is more harmful to But like all legislators who want to
nesota Parole Board would be abolished. "The concept(the bill)is excellent,"he psychopaths or would harm society if Capitol, the reports indicate that any society. make sure they are doing the right thing,
Judges could only lower or raise the noted, "but how it turns out might be released at any time. effort to pass the measure in both Houses And in some cases it is not only Hughes said,"I'll be carefully listening to
sentences by 15 percent. And the something entirely different." "The psychopath can serve good time," and get the Governor's signature will be necessary but wise to have flexibility in the arguments."