NCJ Number
88662
Date Published
1982
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This study analyzes sentencing practices in Georgia's superior court circuits, assesses the economic and prison population impact of selected sentencing options, and recommends ways to decrease the incarceration rate.
Abstract
Sentencing statistics are examined for 1978-81. The study found that Georgia has a higher incarceration rate than any other State. This is due largely to (1) a decrease in the use of probation over the past 4 years, (2) a reduction in the use of split sentencing (which usually results in shorter incarceration periods), (3) an increase in the percentage of felons incarcerated for nonviolent personal and property crimes, and (4) a 25 percent increase in the average sentence length over the last decade. The crime rate is apparently unaffected by incarceration rates, and incarceration rates do not necessarily reflect crime rates. Minor reductions in sentence lengths could make a substantial difference in the inmate population and save the State as much as $14.5 million over 2 years. Diversion of misdemeanants and first offenders to probation or diversion centers could result in 3,500 fewer prisoners and a savings of $22 million in less than 2 years. Specific recommendations include the elimination of misdemeanants from the State prisons and an increase in the dollar amount for felony prosecution in theft cases to $1,000, a diversion of a substantially larger percentage of nonviolent first offenders to intensive probation programs or diversion centers, an increase in the use of split sentences, and a decrease in the average length of incarceration sentences. Tabular data are provided, and the appendixes include the Minnesota sentencing matrix.