Wouldn’t longer sentences mean less overall crime?
Sentence length may or may not correlate with a decrease in crime. Criminal punishment has four basic goals: rehabilitate the offender; restrain the offender from committing further crimes; exact revenge against the offender; and deterring the offender and the general public from criminal behavior. It is unclear if longer sentences actually convince a particular offender not to commit another crime. However, recidivism rates are high, thereby suggesting that the average offender does not “learn his lesson” in prison and refrain from further criminal activity. One thing that does correlate positively with a reduction in criminal activity is increasing age; people under the age of thirty-five years commit most crimes. Therefore, it could be argued that sentences that keep offenders in prison until middle age will reduce overall crime rates.
In addition, more time in prison could allow for more complete rehabilitation because the offender could stay in treatment programs for a longer period of time. Batterers are more likely to change the controlling behavior that leads to domestic abuse if they participate in long-term intensive educational programs. Sex offenders may benefit from multi-level treatment plans spread out over a period of time. In prisons with educational programs, offenders who stay long enough may receive high school or college degrees or learn a trade, which will equip them to lead a productive, law-abiding life. However, some states do not provide adequate resources for these rehabilitation programs.
Longer sentences do not appear to deter the general public from criminal activity. Many times, it is the likelihood of getting caught that deters a person from criminal activity, not the length of the sentence. Many crimes are committed on impulse, and the threat of a lengthy sentence does not even enter the offender’s mind.
Finally, the cost of longer sentences in terms of tax dollars is very high. If sentences are lengthened, new prisons and jails will need to be built to accommodate offenders who would be incarcerated under sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences.
James E. Short, PLC
652 Independence Parkway Suite 120 Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Phone: (757) 410-5042 VirginiaDUIHotline@gmail.com
The information on this site is not intended to be used as personal legal counsel, nor is to be used as a substitution for legal representation. We recommend that you consult a licensed attorney in order to address your litigation needs.
The James E. Short, PLC office is located in Chesapeake, Virginia, and represents people living or driving in Virginia, including the cities of Alexandria, Arlington, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Petersburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach, and all outlying areas. The James E. Short, PLC also represents clients from Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, Isle of Wight counties and clients from any state, who were charged with criminal charges in Virginia.
