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  1. #1
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    Default Amnesty for Non-Violent First Offenders

    We have all heard the hype over Bush's controversial illegal alien amnesty bill. It's drawn criticism from both the right and left.

    What about non-violent first offender bill? Upon completion of sentence, non-violent offenders can apply for a full expungement. This will provide a decent chance for a productive life, and reduce chance of returning to prison.

    Of course, it would apply only to non-violent offenders. Nobody wants child molesters, murderers, rapist, etc access to this. But I see no problem allowing ano-violent offenders a second chance.

    Thoughts anyone?

  2. #2
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    Ohio
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    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders?

    So you mean the person is actually convicted and given a sentance, pays their debt and released from the sentancing?

    At the time of release they then are completely free of all record of this legal process?

    Isn't that the way it is supposed to be?

    Why should we expect anything other than just that? They paid. It's over.

    It's the internal struggle of reintroduction to society where the breakdown occurs. There's a loss of time while experiencing restricted rights and privileges.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders?

    Quote Quoting deadlock
    View Post
    So you mean the person is actually convicted and given a sentance, pays their debt and released from the sentancing?

    At the time of release they then are completely free of all record of this legal process?

    Isn't that the way it is supposed to be?

    Why should we expect anything other than just that? They paid. It's over.

    It's the internal struggle of reintroduction to society where the breakdown occurs. There's a loss of time while experiencing restricted rights and privileges.
    Yes, once they pay their time, they deserve a second chance. Some exceptions apply, of course.

    This will help create a skilled work force, safe tax payers money, lower crime (those with a job are less likely to commit crime), reduce incarceration rates, possible even reduce HIV infections. Not to mention being the right thing to do.

    In 2002 President Bush said, "America is the land of second chance". After making that speech, a huge crowd, mostly comprised of the Christian right, erupted in cheer. Mr President, actions speak louder then words.

    I for one would MUCH rather see our CITIZENS receive amnesty, then some illegal alien.

  4. #4
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    Jul 2007
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    492

    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders?

    Quote Quoting blueeagle
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    We have all heard the hype over Bush's controversial illegal alien amnesty bill. It's drawn criticism from both the right and left.

    What about non-violent first offender bill? Upon completion of sentence, non-violent offenders can apply for a full expungement. This will provide a decent chance for a productive life, and reduce chance of returning to prison.

    Of course, it would apply only to non-violent offenders. Nobody wants child molesters, murderers, rapist, etc access to this. But I see no problem allowing ano-violent offenders a second chance.

    Thoughts anyone?
    I think the person should be considered to have paid the debt to society, in full, when they finish their sentence.

    It should not matter to the private sector, as long as the debt was paid. In other words, the private sector shouldn't need to ask about criminal background, for employment purposes.

    Consider a scenario in banking. It should not matter to the bank if a prospective employee was previously convicted of any infractions of fiduciary responsibilities.

    It should only matter to the justice department for appropriate decision making, for repeat offenses. Especially, for at-will employment.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders?

    Dan, thank you for staying on topic. There may be hope for you yet.

    But really, I agree with you 100%. A persons PAST should have no effect on their future. If they wanna change their life, get a job, support their family, I see absolutely NO reason to deny them this opportunity.

    Ex-cons who have trouble finding work have a good chance of returning to prison. I would rather see somebody working at the factory then breaking in my house...

  6. #6
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    Ohio
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    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders?

    Especially, for at-will employment.


    Well, he just squeeked it in at the bottom. Doesn't count?

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders?

    Quote Quoting deadlock
    View Post


    Well, he just squeeked it in at the bottom. Doesn't count?
    LMAO! I did not notice that!! Give him credit though. At least I under stood what he was saying.

  8. #8
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    Michigan
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    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders?

    When I started practicing criminal defense, my assumption was that most young adults who were charged with a crime would benefit from a diversion program and a second chance. It didn't take long (or many calls to appear at probation violation hearings) before I recognize that is not universally true. Law-abiding citizens may not understand it, but there are people in our society who have a real problem going more than a few months without getting arrested for something. My favorite was the guy who got picked up for possession of marijuana (he and some friends were smoking in public) the night before his (deferred) sentencing on a felony charge.

    I suspect that there will be a lot of first offenders who don't qualify for expungement under such an "amnesty", because by the time they complete their probation they will have had another incident which disqualifies them. (That's not a reason why such a program should not be offered, but I suspect the benefit would be more limited than you believe.)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
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    492

    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders

    What about people who actually complete their sentence? Is there any real need for private employers to request any information regarding previous illegalities, if those have been paid for, in accordance with the "doctrine" of paying a debt to society?

    In other words if an employer feels compelled to ask, what would be wrong with someone replying with "debt to society paid", or something to that effect?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    California
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    Default Re: Amnesty for non-violent first offenders

    Most states - like mine - already have a process where a person can get a felony reduced or expunged - particularly if they did not serve any prison time (which is the case with many non-violent felonies out here such as drugs).

    Unfortunately, past criminal conduct IS a great indicator of future criminal conduct. Rarely do we find serious offenders who do not have a lengthy history of police contacts and arrests. On a side note, the greatest single indicator seems to be a history of truancy and minor juvenile offenses ... one who has a number of truancy allegations combined with minor status offenses (curfew, cigarettes, even alcohol) as a juvenile is far more likely to engage in adult criminal behavior than one who has no such history.

    - Carl

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