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January 1, Ex-Con State Legislator Advocates for Judicial Leniency in Sentence Reduction Bill
A Washington state lawmaker and ex-convict, Democratic state Rep. Tarra Simmons, is pushing legislation that would grant judges in the Evergreen State clemency powers and the ability to reduce the length of sentences for violent offenders.
Simmons has a history of fighting for the rights of people with felony convictions and promoting “racial equity.”
The Judicial Discretion Act would “authorize sentencing courts to review lengthy sentences upon a showing that a person’s original sentence no longer serves the interests of justice,” according to the bill text. Under the act, a judge would be permitted to adjust a convict’s sentence regardless of the facts of the case, provided that a new sentence is no more severe than the initial sentence.
Money saved from not incarcerating these people, including reported violent offenders, will cover the cost of additional proceedings, according to the legislation.
“The legislature finds that long-term incarceration disproportionately impacts poor communities and communities of color. The legislature further finds that an expansive body of research demonstrates that lengthy sentences can increase, rather than reduce, recidivism,” the bill reads.
“The legislature further finds that the potential to reduce a sentence encourages incarcerated individuals to engage in good behavior and to take advantage of rehabilitative programming.”
Additionally, the bill states that “because the cost of long-term incarceration is substantial and the state must use its resources responsibly, providing judges the opportunity to modify lengthy sentences in the interests of justice will result in significant cost savings to the state.”
Victims or family members of victims have the option to “present a statement personally or by representation at the hearing” of a convict whose sentence is under review.
Why It Matters (op-ed)
Tarra Simmons’ Judicial Discretion Act is a misguided attempt at criminal justice reform. While well-intentioned, it undermines the very basis of our justice system by granting judges blanket authority to reduce sentences for violent offenders.
This legislation is a thinly veiled attempt to pander to the progressive left’s narrative of racial equity. It disregards the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions and protecting the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Moreover, the argument that reduced sentences lead to cost savings is a dangerous precedent. We cannot prioritize financial interests over public safety. The focus should be on effective rehabilitation programs, not simply cutting sentences short.
Finally, the impact on victims and their families must not be forgotten. This bill sends a demoralizing message that their suffering is secondary to the state’s fiscal concerns.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
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Rick
January 2, 2024 at 7:13 pm
A Democrat asking for lighter sentences ?. It Figures. Criminals Never want to do time for the Crime they committed.
Grizz Mann
January 2, 2024 at 7:23 pm
Democrats do live and admire their Banditos and want them to be comfortable.
Lee
January 2, 2024 at 8:02 pm
NO!!! You do the crime, so you do the time.
1PatriotForever
January 2, 2024 at 8:03 pm
Is there any other type or kind or previous experiencer profession of a liberal politician that doesnt include a past, present or expected future criminal activity?
BC
January 2, 2024 at 8:34 pm
This falls inline with some other Marxist legislation that actually aims at demoralizing citizens and slowly convincing citizens into believing their government has been corrupted and a new form of govt is therefor required.
Barrack Obama said it perfectly himself-to gain full control, you must get the citizens demonstrably divided on social issues, make it so that they cannot trust the government, cannot trust their electoral system, and lose faith in news organizations. The citizens must lose faith in existing law enforcement and criminal procedure so that they will accept the next form of government. This is an attempt at gaining power, gaining votes and ridding themselves of our Constitutional Republic that stands in their way. Look how hard the leftists are working to chip away at the 1st Amend, 2nd Amend and 4th amend (Raiding political opponents’ homes and businesses) He told everyone ahead of time- we want to fundamentally change America!
Po
January 2, 2024 at 8:36 pm
Stupidity
Al Meyer
January 2, 2024 at 9:01 pm
Is anyone focusing on the words, “violent criminals”?
The only person’s to benefit from the lesser sentence is their next lawyer, certainly not the at risk public.
Timothy
January 2, 2024 at 9:08 pm
ever think? they might be poor, cuz they are in jail? convicts don’t get paid very well….. law abiding taxpayers are FORCED to keep, clothe and feed them. They are part of the unGREATful SOCIETY
yppalp
January 2, 2024 at 9:56 pm
This lawmaker should have never been put into office in the first place
Colleen
January 7, 2024 at 11:38 am
Agree! First of all, who the hell puts an ex-con in office, stupid people who are too stupid to realize that ex-con means criminal, and of course an ex-con wants to change the criminal justice system. I can’t believe how people are so persuaded to embrace Marxism.