673E2B19B5A8296187258479005BBA8C Hearing Summary

Ms. Donner and Michael Dougherty, non-legislative committee member and District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District, briefed the committee on criminal sentencing. Mr. Dougherty discussed a recent conference he attended, and trends in prison population. Ms. Donner discussed certain aspects of criminal sentencing including types of time reduction awarded to offenders. Mr. Dougherty provided additional information, and discussed sentencing scenarios where time reductions and applications for community corrections reduce the sentence. Discussion ensued regarding the need for clarity in sentencing.

Mr. Dougherty responded to questions regarding the potential effect of certain sentencing recommendations, and certain constitutional issues invoked by the recommendations. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of time it would take to overhaul the state's sentencing scheme, and the complexity of the scheme. Discussion followed regarding the potential impact of a sentencing overhaul on the Department of Corrections.

Discussion returned to an earlier conversation about escapes or walk-aways, and the sentences imposed for these crimes.