For Immediate Release
May 7, 2009
Contact: media@famm.org
FAMM Commends Gov. Patrick for Extending Parole Eligibility
to Drug Offenders in Crime Prevention Bill
Bill will enhance public safety while saving millions
BOSTON: Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) applauds Governor Deval Patrick for provisions in his Crime Prevention bill that would allow some drug offenders to apply for parole after serving two-thirds of their sentence and to participate in work release programs.
Under current law, drug offenders are not allowed to apply for parole, participate in work release programs, or earn ‘good conduct’ credits during the mandatory minimum period of their sentence. Yet these are the very programs designed to help a prisoner lead a productive and law-abiding life upon release from prison.
Barbara J. Dougan, director of FAMM’s Massachusetts project, issued the following statement in response to today’s bill:
“We are thrilled that Gov. Patrick has taken such an important step toward effective sentencing laws in Massachusetts. There has never been a sound policy reason for excluding drug offenders from the re-entry opportunities that are available to most other prisoners. This is a win-win situation for the public.
The Governor’s proposal will save money in the short run by allowing currently incarcerated drug offenders to apply for parole, rather than serve their entire sentences, which are often disproportionately long. In the long run, the Governor’s proposal will reduce recidivism and save the cost of incarceration for future offenses. Moreover, drug offenders who are granted parole can contribute to the economy by supporting their families and paying taxes.”
FAMM also strongly supports the Governor’s proposal to allow state prisoners to participate in work release programs. “Many drug offenders who are serving lengthy sentences are hungry for the opportunity to gain vocational skills and experience that will help them succeed when they return to their communities,” said Dougan. FAMM hopes that the same opportunity will be extended to prisoners in county Houses of Correction.
FAMM believes that any comprehensive reform of our criminal justice system must also include repeal of mandatory minimum drug laws, which have filled prisons with low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who are serving sentences that do not fit their crimes. “But allowing some relief to those prisoners already serving harsh sentences is an excellent start,” said Dougan. “It will give enormous hope to men and women who have much to offer their communities if given the chance.”
Significant reform of Massachusetts’ mandatory minimums cannot come fast enough for FAMM members like Bonnie DiToro, now serving her 11th year of a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence for a drug offense. Struggling with cocaine addiction after her husband died, Bonnie became involved with her supplier. When he was arrested during a drug transaction, Bonnie was also arrested, although she was not directly involved. Bonnie was convicted of drug trafficking and because Massachusetts’ rigid mandatory minimum drug laws consider no factors except the weight of the drug involved, the judge was forced to sentence Bonnie to a mandatory sentence of 15 years. It currently costs the state nearly $48,000 a year to keep the mother of two behind bars. Bonnie would now be eligible for parole under the Governor’s proposal.
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to insure that the punishment fits the crime. In 2008, FAMM launched a project in Massachusetts to reform state mandatory minimum sentencing laws for drug and drug-free zone violations.
To read profiles on people serving mandatory minimum sentences in Massachusetts, or more information on FAMM, visit www.famm.org.
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