Bitch of the week: prosecutors why are you still pushing for sentences above the minimum for low level drug offenses committed by those with drug issues?
I do not get it. Why does the criminal justice system still punish addicts - especially predicate low level drug offenders who relapse, when relapsing is a typical part of the recovery process? The criminal justice system should follow the science and stop punishing addicts instead of following the science selectively, meaning after the first offense, the focus shifts from rehab to punishment.
Although the crim justice system has evolved somewhat, far too often, judges & prosecutors still treat a relapsing low level drug offender as a public menace who made a fully conscious and controllable decision to use again.
Yes, politics is at play, but once the state secures a conviction, why push for a sentence that exceeds the statutory minimum?
For those who think the drug laws in your state are fair, I’m curious which state that is.
Btw, for anyone interested in the history of the “modern” day drug epidemic, check out the Netflix docu “Five Families” about the original Little Italy mob families. The Bonnano family is largely responsible for proliferation of the heroin epidemic, which first hit Harlem in the 60s.