The state of California has a massive prison overcrowding problem, due in part to the nation's "war on drugs" and the state's Three Strike laws. Laws and policies such as these can often put non-violent offenders in jail for long periods of time, even as their crimes would barely warrant parole in other states. As a result, California currently has almost 200,000 people in jail and this has created not only an overcrowding problem, but a major budget crisis as well.
As politicians tackle this issue, a few different options being explored to solve this issue involve releasing current prisoners and/or handling lower level and non-violent offences differently than before. For example, any low risk offense such as failing a drug test would no longer be handed a prison sentence, rather drug treatment and possible house arrest would be handed down.
Prisoners who embrace rehabilitation including drug and alcohol treatment, gaining a high school or college diploma or even involvement in community service projects would be highly beneficial in avoiding jail time in California. Obviously major offenses such as murder, attempted murder, rape and other crimes wouldn't be affected by the current climate in California. However, if you're charged with a misdemeanor, a minor drug offense, petty theft or another crime that isn't violent or considered doing "major" harm, this plan could help keep you out of prison.
If you've been arrested or accused of a crime, consult your attorney and see if these new development affect you.
Overcrowding tells me that coddling you prisoners does NOT keep you from prison. Yes CODDLING! The picture of overcrowding posted on some blogs, looks more like the local rescue mission, except YOU get clean sheets and clean clothing! You have a TV set, books to read, a toilet, clean showers, weight lifting equipment, good food etc. That’s more then I have. So WHERE IS THE PUNISHMENT? Alternatives to coddling: sleep on the ground (like I have to); no TV, radio, books, cigarettes, or wholesome food (I don't have those things, so why should YOU?); HARD WORK for everyone, every day, for at least 8 hours, even if it means breaking up rocks, or digging one hole to fill up another… just like every NORMAL person has to do on the outside (except you don’t deserve a paycheck). And you should be scrubbing the ceilings/walls/floors, bathrooms/showers, and washing your own clothes/dishes/towels/sheets too. As a prisoner you have NO rights. You gave them up when you chose to do the crime. If prisons DID what they were set up to do, you would do everything possible to keep from having to go back! The prisons would NEVER be overcrowded. Instead, people clamor just to get IN, so they can have a warm bed, fresh hot food, clean clothes, a toilet/showers, and a TV!As an alternative to MY alternative: you may like the idea Grace has for a prison town. See www.gracetowne.blogspot.com