Video: Criminal Reform Law Goes Into Effect

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CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — Cutting costs, while preserving public safety. Governor Phil Bryant signed House Bill 585 into law earlier this year, revamping guidelines for criminal sentencing in the state.

“Mississippi was spending several hundred million dollars a year on incarceration and for the department of corrections and the legislature did not want to have to raise taxes in order to pay for all of that. I’m a former member of the legislature and I know that’s their prerogative to set what their penalties are for different crimes,” said Clay County Circuit Court Judge Lee Coleman.

Under the law, violent criminals must serve 50 percent of their sentences. Nonviolent offenders, just 25 percent.

“Drug possession less than a 10th of a gram is now a misdemeanor. And the jurisdiction amount for felony property crimes was raised from $500 to $1,000,” said Katie Moulds, Assistant District Attorney.

Prosecutors say while the new law cuts down on incarceration rates, it also puts communities at risk for an increase in criminal activity.

“We were really concerned that property owners and business owners due to the shoplifting provisions and embezzlement provisions were going to be upset because what was once a felony is now going to be a misdemeanor,” said Moulds.

Defense Attorneys argue the law helps rehabilitate nonviolent offenders, with the use of programs like drug court.

“They’ve decreased some of the maximum sentences. They’ve given offenders the opportunity to be on probation for things that they weren’t eligible for probation previously. House arrest. Given some opportunities for early parole. For me, it’s all about people’s lives. This is about giving people another chance,” said Public Defender Mark Cliett.

“There’s some good and some bad and it’s all new right now. We’ll have to see how it works out. But of course that’s a legislative decision, not a judicial decision. I just apply the laws of the state,” said Judge Coleman.

Governor Phil Bryant also signed 3 other law enforcement measures into law. Those include bills to fund a trooper school, hire additional assistant district attorneys and requie DNA testing for certain violent offenders.

Categories: Crime, Local News

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