WashingtonWatch.com - H.R. 261, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2007

What People Think

76% For, 24% Against

Take Action

Vote on this Bill
	For
	Against
Speak Out
	Comment on this Bill
	Alert Your Friends and Colleagues
	Write Your Representative in Congress
Save & Share
	del.icio.us
	Digg
	Facebook
	Google
	Reddit
	Yahoo!

H.R. 261, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2007

You must be logged in to your WashingtonWatch.com account in order to edit this wiki page.

(Learn how to edit the WashingtonWatch.com wiki.)

Don't have an account? Register for your free account now!

Learn More

Read the Bill
See What People Are Saying

Visitor Comments

M.FUENTES

CONSIDERING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RELEASE IT WILL BE AN ADVENTAGE TO SOCIETY TO WELCOME NONVIOLENT FIRST OFFENDERS TO BE PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES IT WILL ALLIVIATE PRISON OVERCROWDING AND FAMILIES CAN RETURN TO SOME LEVEL OF NORMAL FAMILY LIFE.

G.FUENTES

I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS AMENMENT TO TITLE 18. IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO SOCIATY TO THE ECONOMY AND TO THE FEDERAL OVERCROWDING PRISON POPULATION.

M.GARCIA

I BELIEVE THE EARLY RELEASE OF NONVIOLENT OFFENDERS INTO SOCIETY IS AN ADVENTAGE TO OUR ECONOMY AND A RELIEF TO THE OVERCROWDING OF PRISONS I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS ACT.

R.Lee

I believe that this would not only be adventagous to our society by saving the tax payers money, but it will also help so many families that depend on others for help as well as our welfare system.

R Doyle

With our country's finances in turmoil as our national debt rises and the nation's deficit is at an all-time high, we need MORE tax payers. If there are non-violent offenders out there than can contribute, then I say let them out ASAP!! Our nation spends more than $30k/yr on each inmate, which is more than the average American family's income. Why build more prisons when we can deport non-Americans, and release non-violent offenders over 45!

T CYPRIAN

I BELIEVE THIS IS A GOOD THING FOR THE OFFERNDER AND THERE FAMILYS. CHILDERN NEED BOUTH PARENTS WITH THEM.

R. Blair

I believe this to be a good bill. If I could add anything it would be that there be some type of reward for so called 'model prisoners'. It would encourage more obedience and general better attitude.

John Worthington

If you are giving amnesty to millions of illegal aliens you can give amnesty to these real americans

Susan Taylor

I support this bill 100% because it makes "sense" - something new for the US Govt. There are many people serving prison time for so-called "white collar" crimes that were given maximum mandatory sentences for actions that they did not "knowingly" commit as crimes. Others have actively murdered or sold drugs and our great justice system has them on the streets. How can this be "JUSTICE"? I now question everything I thought about this country's justice system. In our experience, an FBI agent abused my 14yr.old daughter and couldn't be prosecuted. They were the true criminal. Oh well, it's a new ballgame!

Rachael

I support this bill 100%. Everyone makes mistakes and deserves a second chance, especially when they are non-violent crminals,"white collar" crimes. They deserve parole, sex offenders and drug dealers do, it doesnt make sense.

Nora Callahan

I wonder if it would be challenged constitutionally. Would a young person do more time than a middle aged person for the same offense.

That said, I think that it would make a great emergency resolution to solve over-crowding issues, and repeated yearly until the prisons came in line with capacity levels.

That said, no new prisons! We should put a federal moratorium on building more, forcing the legislators to revisit drug sentencing, and other non violent crimes. Mostly folks on drug sentences, are serving time on snitches words -- drug conspiracies, based on the wet snitche's words...

Earl Adams

I support the bill 100%. I know of a good man who needed drug rehab instead of prison. He will be spending more time in prison than murderers if something like this bill is not passed....

Passionate about the Bill

Often times sentences for nonviolent crimes are too long and unnecissary. These prisoners need to be rehabilitated and reintroduced into society. We need to spend more money on rehabilitation and prevention rather than prisons where inmates are simply housed. Jail is not the only punishment after being convicted of a nonviolent crime. Often times those convicted face public humiliation, loss of their jobs,loss of their house, and perhaps even the effects of a broken household. So what is the point of adding 6 or 7 years of housing a non violent criminal. I am not saying non violent criminals should not go to jail, but I am saying if the time should fit the crime and until it is not, this bill needs to be passed so that those who have learned their lesson,and have served a considerable amount of time may be released from prision and become productive members of society again.

Dino

I strongly support and hope & pray it comes to life.

Tee

I pray that this bil pass, let the nonviolent go home. In some states, these guys would have been home by now anyway. Let's see this money used in a more positive way-GIVE THE HOMELESS A ROOF.

KRM

Very very passionate about this bill and getting it passed. I think there are too many good men and women being held behind bars and wall and fences for mediocre crimes that really never hurt society and deserve an opportunity to prove themselves reliable citizens.

I

Reform the system, and send the corrupt judges, lawyers and prosectors to prison.

B Young

The sentences for the most part are much longer in the federal system than in the state prisons and there isn't parole in the federal system. The current federal system is unfair. It harms children. Children should be allowed to have more contact with their parents than just visiting in an over-crowded, noisy visiting area on the weekends. They need to be able to play with and learn from their parent. A lot of these inmates held jobs, supported families, helped in their communities. Now they are being warehoused at government expense. It's a hardship on families to maintain ties when their parent is several hundred miles from home. It is a further economic burden on a family struggling to make ends meet with a parent incarcerated and having to bear the costs of travel to maintain that relationship. There are no federal facilities in my state. For my children to see their father we must travel 700 miles each way. This bill needs to pass and put families back together.

Julia

100% all the way. Please pass this bill. My husband is in prison for doing something that he was not aware of. He trusted someone who was suppost to have given an oath to serve this country righteously.

Many people are in prison for stupid idiotic reasons. Ruining people lifes and their families. My son cries for his daddy. Ya right lets just put people away for NOTHING!!!! That is exactly what is going on.

The people that actually did something are not getting rehab. because there is no money in the system. They just sit, watch TV and write letters. Come on, lets wake up!!!

My husband and many others are much better out in society forming jobs and paying taxes. The people that prosecute them know that they are innocent. Lets get it straight. Start working are the people that are really quitly.

Wat

You gotta be kidding me, these people committed crimes, and should be kept away from society and children for as long as possible. When you do a crime, you need to be punished. There doesn't need to be an act made, just keep things the way they are. If someone is truly good, they'll get out. But I don't want my children living in a world with convicts free to roam the street.

Virginia

I support this bill totally. Give those who are not a threat to others a chance to recapture their lives. I will continue to pray for this bill to pass into law.

Ken Meyers

I think this bill is one of the most sensible items the goveronment has considered in several years. It puts good hard working Americans who made a mistake back into the working world to help support America with purchasing power and taxes paid. Let's get this bill passed.

Jim Stone

There are quite a few of offenders who meet all the qualifications who only a few years ago would have been slapped with a fine and porbation and not incarcerated. The point is, they do not have criminal minds and are caught by a system that is totally broken. It would sure be appreciated if these go through.

Joyce Cooper

This is an answer to my prayer, lower the age though, so many young people with children are wasting their lives because of this. The over crouding is bad, visiting is cut short even for people who drive a long way to get there.

Bob Bacon

Many of the prisoners in question have large amounts of restitution hanging over their heads and can not pay on it with their 20 cents per hour jobs.
They have been caught on their first offense, usually a dumb mistake.
They are not a threat to society and while in prison they are not able to pay their share of taxes and social security.
With the crowded prison conditions it’s a wonder that there has not been an out break of uncontrollable diseases.
Their spouses are going through very hard times trying to keep their life style above the poverty level.

T. Rich

The federal sentencing guidelines are so rigid with no parole, while violent criminals like murderers and rapists are consistently given lighter sentences and early release. Our prisons are full of non-violent offenders who are wasting precious time and energy which could be better spent on the outside, doing community service and contributing to society. Let's pass this amendment!

cmfeeley

I support this legislation.

E Reed

How is possibble that someone can kill someone and receve a lower sentence than someone who gets chareged on a federal comspiracy case. Its not fair non violent offendes deserve a second chance

Michelle

I strongly believe they should pass this bill! I also believe that they should do their time for the crime,but at the same time if it is not a violent crime such as murder, and so forth...why not give them a chance to get out early, and get on with their lives that they have left. Life is short, and my fiancee is missing half of his son's childhood over DRUGS! He has made mistakes, and no I dontr approve of it,but he didn't kill anyone! There are murderers out here getting less time then he got, and he didn't do half of what he did! He was young and stupid! Thanks for reading my comment have a good day!Please let's get this BILL PASSED!

LACY

LOWER THE AGE!!!!!!!

swhaley

this is a good bill, the age is a little unreal though. Like said before, nonviolent offenders are often younger, who just got caught in the Federal System, that even when the crime is so simple, they are spending 3 times the sentence of a state offender for the same crime. Lots of these young offenders have small children who need their parent home helping support them.

Juliana Bezerra

Lower the age! I think that there are a lot of people that are in and should not be, they are good people that commited a mistake, it's said in the bible that we should forgive them, why not?

Donna

I completely support the bill. These people deserve a 2nd chance. Everybody makes mistakes. Judges are much too hard on these types of crimes these days and us tax payers are paying for unecessary imprisonments, families are suffering and no good comes out of any of it.

L thomas

i belive that the bill shall go on. not only will there be familys bac together but it will be a happy one.

Michelle

LOWER THE AGE!

Donna

I fully support the bill.

Nancy Baker

I support this bill because non-violent crimes ought to be handled differently than violent crimes. Today, the sentences are more severe for monetary crimes than those crimes that result in bodily harm. If a person has made a single mistake, he should have the opportunity to correct that mistake by rehabilitating. Our congress states that they are interested in the rehabilitation of criminals but, continues to allow sentencing practices that render the criminal incapable of return to society. If there is no treat to society, there should be a program for a criminal to return to society in a manner that will allow him to earn income, secure housing, and function in society.

shania jones

i agree

Michael de Angeli

Our prisons are grossly overcrowded with nonviolent offenders, sentenced unfairly due to mindless sentencing guidelines, and who deserve a second chance. Keeping them in prison is a needless burden on the taxpayers and serves no useful purpose. The availability of probation encourages good behavior and rehabilitation; precluding it only encourages recidivism.

Sarah

At a time when we are uncovering so many cases that have been wrongfully accused and sentenced, i believe it is important to reduce the prison population especially in the case of these non-violent white colar crime prisoners. There should be proper help for young people mixed up in drugs, not prison where they have no reason to lift their heads high and look for a brighter day, they are only experiencing shame, abuse and more ideas shared in prison on more crimes. Then we have these families in the United States that are being seperated for years because of a white colar crime. Should there be restitution and some kind of community service as a punishmentand so the offender can be allowed to continue working caring for his or her family in a manner of which has been ignored in our country, to stick together as a family and as a community. I support this bill 100%.

Richard Ratner

This bill needs to be passed. It was wrong for the federal system to get rid of parole in the first place, and now it faces obscene overcrowding, escalating costs to the taxpayer, and the uselessness of keeping non violent offenders incarcerated for years more than are necessary to serve the purposes of justice.

D. Dettles

I support this bill 100%. The disparity between the State and Federal sentencing is outlandish. So many of these non-violet offenders have been in the wrong place at wrong time or have made that one stupid decision

Sara Loope

The prison system was designed to keep the public safe from violent criminals. It makes no sense to incarcerate people who pose little or no risk to society. I believe the passing of this bill could be a partial solution to our overcrowded prison system. Next we can move on to reforming drug policy and fighting the War on Drugs which causes more harm to society than good.

Sadie

I total agree with this

DST

The age should be lowered to at least 37, 45 is too old. I think the age limit will inhibit many rehabilitated offenders the opportunity to return to society. Lower the age

Que

I agree with the bill. However, 45 is way too old. The age limit should be AT LEAST 35. AGE 45 is WAY TOO OLD.

Antonio Espinal

I have an old time friend in jail for many years: Jose A. Tamayo. He is a non-violent prisoner that really deserves to be integrated into our society. He deserves a pardon like the one indicated on HR-261. I hope legislators listen to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee call and approve this bill.

C. Jacob

I think this bill will help alleviate some of the overcrowding along with the several economic factors that are afected by mass incarceration. My fiancee is a non-violent prisoner that doubles as an excellent father to two daughters and needs to be integrated back into society so that he can teach them how not to repeat the cycle he fell into. Also it is crucial that families be put back together to prevent children from growing up without parents and suffering vast emotional damges by the awful events that follow a parent's imprisonment. I have to strongly agree with D. Dettles' comment also.

K. Hammer

These young people, non violent offenders, sentenced for such a long time, what kind of life will they have when they get out. They made a mistake,they need a chance to live a productive life. Besides prison overcrowding and the expense, the toll on their lives will cost them so much more. Please change the drug war and give these people a chance to live productive lives.

A. B.

This bill is just what we need, but the age should be lowered. there are too many young men and women in the system who need to be with thier children during thier childhood. If its not a violent crime, then they should be given the chance to come home and share there lessons with their children and society. Just one dumb judgement is all it takes to change a life, but one realization and truth changes many lives.

JAR

From someone who has worked in criminal defense for 21 years, this bill makes sense. Sex Offenders, predatory offenders and violent offenders would not be eligible so it is a safe and cost effective way to resolve the overhead and population problems in the prison system

Ellis Lacombe

The nonviolent offender relief act would put people back with their families and into society where they can do the most good.This would reduce the overcrowding in federal prisons and also help the economy.

L MATTOX

PLEASE PASS THIS BILL. LOWER THE
AGE. THERE ARE A LOT OF CHILDREN
THAT NEED THEIR PARENTS HOME FOR
LOVE AND SUPPORT.

Mrs. Lacy

My husband is about to be sentenced for a non violent crime, but due to the current laws he will be gone for 5-7 years that is serving 85% of his time. Since there is no parole in the federal system. My husband is 24 we have three children. This bill will not affect him becuase of the age limit, but I hope they consider changing that. There are hundreds of fathers that can't come home where they are needed. Not in overcrowded prisions adding more pain to our economy. I strongly support this bill, I just hope that my congressman Don Young will push for to, but I doubt it.

Courtney

I completely support this bill. Why are such people incarcerated for ridiculous lengths of time? Families suffer, tax payers keep paying and nobody wins. Strict Probations and electronic monitoring of non violent First offenders are both solutions to this. We are fighting a war to free people yet we are locking our own people up left and right. This system is broken.

Aida

I support this bill HR 261, studies show
that recedivism for offenders over
45 is practically nil

HM

I SUPPORT THIS BILL 100%. THE AGE
NEEDS TO BE LOWERED OR TAKEN OUT
AS A REQUIREMENT.

DAberly

To incarcerate non-violent, elderly,first offenders makes no sense. These are the people who can give to the system in innumerable ways. They should never have been sentenced and should be able to give back to their communities and families. SEND THEM HOME WHERE THEY BELONG!

Lyle Waggoner

I support the bill HR261. Some of these people could do lots of good if released early.

Norma

I support the bill HR261 a thousand percent. Federal system is Draconian and people must serve 85% of the overbearing sentence they receive. It's forced the prisons into massive overcrowding, when community service would have been an answer instead.

MARILYN

I SUPPORT THE BILL LETS GIVE THESE NON VIOLENT OFFENDERS A SECOND CHANCE AND TO BE RE-UNITED WITH THEIR FAMILY. LETS USE OUR TAX MONEY IN EDUCATING AND NOT ENCARCERATING.MY SUPPPORT 100%.

A wife without a husband

So many people support this bill. So many people support bringing back parole to the federal system, yet this bill will most likely never get passed. Majority of bills never reach the floor, unless there is someone really pushing for it, like our dumbass president wanting an Iraq bill.

t

Hardened criminals get less time than nonviolent offenders! Prisons are overcrowded. The government is wasting our tax dollars. I'm for it!

CDavis

I support the bill 100%. It is pass due for action to be taken to release non-violent offenders to be returned to their families. America is in need of family unity.

A Wife's Voice

No one knows a man better than his wife(other than GOD). Therefore when the voice of a wife speaks out "FOR THIS BILL", Then someone has to listen. PASS THIS BILL and SEND MY HUSBAND HOME!!!!!!!

K. Sparks

I am 100% for this bill. It is ashame that as a society, we keep non-violent, first time offenders that have NO record whatsoever longer than we keep murders, rapists and child pornographers in prison. We as tax paying citizens have to pay to keep these "so called" prisoners in prison, if I', not mistaken about $44,000 a year. Then we have to turn around and send more money to these prisoners so that they can "buy" their personal hygiene items, good tennis shoes, etc. For a country that is about freedom, our judical system is a total farce. People over the age of 45 should have some rights after they have spent a year in prison. As a family member that needs my husband back to help make ends meet with all of the amenities of our society going higher and higher, this bill should be passed by every person in the Senate, Congress and the President.

K.M.

Given the fact that men and women are still incarcerated and they meet the criteria of the HR261 bill does not say much for America being a free country. How could anyone be a threat to society if they meet all of the requirements of this bill. America need to get smarter before they become the poorest country in the world. Spending tax payers dollars to imprison these kinds of people is completely insane. Washington....Please add up the cost before it is too late.

Debra Morgan

Considering the current state of our overcrowded prisons, this bill makes complete sense. I hope it passes.

Joyce Raburn

Sounds reasonable to me.

R King

After 6 years in federal prison, I can personally attest that taxpayer's dollars are wasted on non-violent criminals. The public would be better served by allowing these inmates to serve a smaller portion of their time and then pay fines and restitution as part of their early release. This would ensure that the victims receive recompensation and the government would recoup a cost of confinement. Due to the fact that the federal system gives alot of time for non-violent offenders, it is difficult for many of these to have a job that will be worth anything when they get out versus doing a small amount and then released. Our country needs to give some people a second chance, especially those who are non-violent. If they mess up during the early release period, then put them back for the long term, but lets at least give them a chance. If nothing else, think of the family unit and the importance of the parent being involved in children's lives.

SHERRI

Our Government is always complaining about wasteful spending and so do the people. Then why are we keeping non violent offenders in jail for 10-20 years and releasing sex offenders and murderers earlier just so they can do it again? A man or women can spend less time in a state facility for murder than someone with a drinking or drug problem. Keeping them behind bars serves no purpose to the community or to better themselves.

MARLENE

I support this bill 100% Let it pass and pass quickly.

K Jones

I think this bill would be an excellent decision. How can we lock up nonviolent offenders practically all their life yet let murders, rapists &child molesters walk free after only a few year sentence? It makes a person question our judicial system doesnt it?

vinnette walker

I there are a lot of non voilent people locked up for many years, while there are a lot of murders nd child molesters walking around free.

L Orlando

This is a great opportunity to bring people back into mainstream society to be productive citizens. This will also provide some costs savings.

Coleman Blue

This bill will save dollars, lives, marriages and families.
All of which are good things for taxpayers.
President Bill Clinton said that if they can be controlled simply by telling them not to cross the yellow line and they don't then they must be released.

I have been there - I have seen the women 60+ who are only a threat to themselves because they can't walk very well and the only person they hurt when they took money was themselves.
This MUST pass.

Lakes

This bill will definitely save money and lower the inmate population.

M. Carter

As someone whose father is affected by this bill...I am strongly in favor of it! I agree with all the comments in favor of this bill. Not having to pay taxes for my dad's room and board is a bonus in itself and being home with his family is a bonsu for us!

Melissa L Carter

From someone who would personally benefit if this bill passes. My dad is 75, first time offender of a nonviolent crime and yet there are Child molesters who are out and about walking our neighborhoods! My dad was sentenced to 33 months! He was made an example of... please release him to serve the remainder of his time here on earth at HOME with his loved ones!

Stormy A Martin

Please pass this bill..releasing non violent people would benefit a lot of families. Emotionally and financially.

L. Fantazier

This bill MUST be passed, PLEASE, hear our voices. Release the elderly non-violent offenders. They can do more good out side of the cell walls than they can inside. I am sure they have learned a lesson and will try to help others. I have a friend there that is such a God loving, God fearing man. Please release them now.

Mrs. Lacy

103-month average sentence for robbery; the 76-month average sentence for arson; the 64-month average sentence for sexual abuse; and the 31-month average sentence for manslaughter. Yet a non violent offender drug addict gets an average of 121 months.

Brad - BK

I fully support the HR-261 Bill. Most violet crime receive lower sentencing than the "white-collar" crimes due to Minimum Mandatory Sentencing this is a start to correcting the problem. Also this is a low-risk approach to reducing our prison over-crowding & expense issues.

R. Lawson

I write in support for this bill.
I wonder why folks are sentenced to long prison terms for white collar crimes and those convicted of violent acts have shorter terms. Something is wrong in that thinking. Restitution, community service or fines are much more suited for white collar crimes than locking folks up for a long time at taxpayer expense. This bill is humane to families, I hope it passes.

C.tanner

I support hr261 only because some of the crimes are recieving long sentencing the only thing is that some of the crimes that should be getting long sentences are getting short sentences crimes against children should get the death pently in by opinion. Crimes against drugs should get some kind of help to teach these people to stay off and crimes for killing should get the death penlty gun crimes are depending on the situation they are in. I do believe in making people pay fines and thing thy should enforce that to pay for more of the prisons that would help the tax payers.

Dawn L.

I Support HR261. I would like to state that many people have created crimes involving murder, rape, etc....and receive less time. Why are we punishing people so harshly for "paper" crimes? I am all for this Bill passing. Let's get the non-violent people back into society where they belong!

Heather

I Think this bill would be wonderful there are people out there who have learned there lesson and have families out there who really just want to get on with there lifes and enjoy there kids !

HEATHER EVERHART

I support this bill 100% everybody deserves a second chance there are people out there who are really wasting their time in a place like prison, they would do more good out in the world than in there

CARY TAYLOR

HR261*YES*100%THE GOAL OF ARE PRISON SYSTEM IS TO INSURE THE SAFETY AND RIGHTS OF THE PUBLIC. SO WHY ARE THEY SENDING THE TRULY BAD GUYS BACK OUT IN THE STREETS? THAT VIOLATES ARE RIGHTS, AND ARE SAFETY. YET AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE KEEPING THE PRISON PACKED WITH "CITIZENS" THAT HAVE MADE MINOR VIOLATIONS! MOST JUST CALL IT BAD JUDGEMENT! WE HAVE ALL MADE MISTAKES, WETHER IT WAS FOR GREED, OR ARE FAMILY AND LOVED ONES. THE SENTENCES THAT MOST DEALERS GET IS GREATER THAN MOST MURDERS RECIEVE! SO INLIGHT OF THESE TRAGICK MISTAKES THAT ARE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE IN ARE LEGAL SYSTEM. WE "THE PUBLIC" ARE PAYING OUR TAXES JUST SO THAT WE CAN KEEP THE RAPEST, AND CHILD MALESTERS, AND MURDERERS IN ARE NEIGHBERHOODS, AND KEEP THE HONEST MISTAKING CITIZENS THAT ARE ONLY TRULY GUILTY OF BEING HUMAN AND MAKING A MISTAKE BEHIND BARS! I BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES, AND I KNOW THAT THERE IS NOT A PERSON IN THE WHOLE WORLD THAT CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NEVER ASKED FOR A SECOND CHANCE!+ + +

Lesley Harrow

In order for this bill to be brought up for a vote, Sheila Jackson will need at least 40 co-sponsors. That means we all need to talk up this bill with our own Representatives.

To contact the Representative from your district, type in www.house.gov/

On the upper left side of the page, type in your zip code. The name of your Representative will appear. Click on that person's name and you will see his/her contact information.

The best way to communicate with a Representative is by writing a short personal letter. You can also call them toll-free at 1-866-220-0044 or write an email.

The more people talking up this bill, the more chance we have of its being enacted into law.

I invite you to comment on a blog I have just set up....

Go to www.nonviolentoffenderreliefact.blogspot.com and type in your comments.

As a group of committed individuals we can make this bill happen.

CARLA

I SUPPORT THIS BILL 100%. MY HUSBAND IS SERVING A 5 YEAR SENTENCE.HE HAS NEVER,EVER BEEN IN TROUBLE BEFORE. HE NEEDS TO BE AT WITH ME AND HIS FAMILY.HE IS ALSO A NONVIOLENT OFFENDER.WE MUST PASS THIS BILL.

Lesley Harrow

We need to come together as a committed GROUP to get this bill passed.

TALK to the Representative from your district. Let Sheila Jackson-Lee know that you want to help her in any way possible.

ASK HER what she needs us to do to help get this Resolution up for a vote.

Lorna

I support this bill if an offender is deemed a threat to society give him the max encance his sentencing do whatever it takes to make sure he gets the max but after sentence is final do give his back his right at least he is entitled to that

celina

call your representative now....sheila lee jackson needs our help on this...go to lesleys harrows web blog and get involved other than us just writing here where only we can see it.....make phone calls.....we all support this bill but it wont happen without your phone calls...

Judi a different perspective

My husband is 68 years old and claims he is innocent
This is his first offense of any kind
He signed a plea for 6 years
Heis in bad health and will get out when he's 74 if he's alive

Cindy

When did it become law that in order to receive the least harm an innocent person has to plead guilty or receive the stiffest punishments because they have ticked off a Judge? Isn't that perjury?

Seems like that's the way the justice system works.

Judi

I support this bill 100%. These people could be rehabilitated into being tax paying citizens, contributing back instead of taking away from society.

Roger

I believe this bill is a great way to help non-violent offenders learn from their mistakes and start a new life. Honestly a federal prison is no place to be for someone who's committed a white collar crime, maybe house arrest is a better solution. Being a former Federal inmate I believe that the prison does not help these people learn a lesson, in fact it teaches them other ways to break the law.

JODY

I HOPE EEVERYONE KNOWS IF WE WANT TO SEE THIS BILL PAST IT HAS TO HAVE POLITICAL CO-SPONSERS, YOU MUST WRITE TO YOU HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE NOW TO GET THIS BILL EVEN LOOKED AT BY THE PRESIDENT. PLEASE CALL YOUR HOUSE REPS. NOW.....

LP

At a time when many white collar 'criminals' unknowingly committ these crimes, or are actually innocent, Congress needs to pass a bill that will come to their aid. They were productive members of society with, often, the best of intentions and that society needs them back. They aren't violent and in the state system would've gotten a much lighter sentence. Why are we letting child predators and rapists out on parole and not these guys? Its time to take another step in making a justice system which is fair...

Softailmike

Lower the age

debbie c.

i support the bill 100%. My kids have been without their father for 1-1/2 years.We all need him home. He never and would never hurt anyone. He deserves to be home with his kids and his wife. we all miss him alot.

Jimmy

My God, the spelling errors

Think

Remember, Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion because it was the only crime that could be proven.

How about the people responsible for the Enron fiasco? That was "white collar" crime. How many lives did they ruin?

I'm not saying there aren't people in federal jails that couldn't be released resulting in a net benefit to society. But, do you really want to let anyone out who was a "good" prisoner and couldn't be convicted of a violent crime just because they reach 45 years of age?

FED UP

I AM ALL FOR THIS BILL. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A JUSTICE SYSTEM. ONLY JUSTICE FOR THE GOVERNMENT. IF YOU BECOME A RAT YOU GET AWAY WITH ALL OF YOUR CRIMES TO PUT PEOPLE AWAY THAT MAY HAVE NEVER DONE A THING THAT THE RAT SAYS THEY DID. AND ONCE THE RAT PUTS YOU AWAY THEY GO ON THERE MERRY WAY AND THE FAMILY OF THE CONVICTED GETS DRAGGED THROUGH THE MUDD. AT THE DROP OF A DIME THE PRISIONER GETS SENT TO ANY PRISION THE GOVERNMEMENT FEELS LIKE SENDING THEM FUTHER DESTROYING THE FAMILY OFTEN MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO EVEN VISIT THE INMATE AND THE CHILDREN SUFFER THE MOST. NOT SEEING THEIR PARENT FOR YEARS IS A DISCRASE TO OUR SOCITY .SO YOU SEE PUTTING PEOPLE AWAY IS A MONEY MAKING INDUSTRY FOR THE GOVERNMENT JUST ANOTHER REASON TO HIKE UP OUR TAXES . MANY PEOPLE ARE AWAY AND DONT DESERVE TO BE BEHIND BARS ITS TIME THAT PEOPLE STAND UP FOR WHATS RIGHT. I HOPE THIS BILL PASSES AND IT CAN RESTORE SOME FAITH IN THE REAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

ERICA

I pray for the bill to be passed. & my father to be released! I am the oldest of 5 children, and I am struggling to support them! He has missed out on 4 years of their life. Two of them are % & 6 years old!

James

Dr.Kevorkian,a murderer, gets out on parole,AFTER 6 YEARS and my dad,57 YEARS OLD convicted of a white collar crime gets 15 years with NO CHANCE FOR PAROLE IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM.

MVH

I believe this bill is a good direction in rehabilitating underprivileged individuals who deserve a second chance, especially those who have proven themselves with documented progress. With the right counseling and supportive programs, it is very realistic that these individuals will be able to contribute to the community again. Therefore, there should be a regulated doorway for them to further their progress while amongst society - that is true rehabilitation.

SLA

I agree that this bills should pass on behalf of the families that have somone in prison that really had no victim in such "crimes". The system should see it as "no vicitm, no crime". Most cases do not involve a victim and yet they are put away for more than 25yrs. at times (federal). For a young man who loves being a father that is very hard for anyone to accept. Let's focus on these sex offenders and murderers first than worry about these non violent crimes. Because it seems like it's the other way around and that is what's wrong with the system/world. I am sure there are way more sex offenders on the streets than drug dealers and as a woman or for anyone with kids, we would rather see the sex offenders being put away for life. That's why it repeats itself because they only get a couple yrs., or a slap on the hand then they are out to do it again, that is very WRONG. Hopefully this will pass, make it harder for the violent crimes.

Leigh

House arrest, perhaps? It's not easier for the prisoner, it's just cheaper for the rest of the population!!!
There are those released who have hurt children.. but we spend our tax dollars educating, training, feeding, and entertaining those who have lived honestly for at least 45 years.. and perhaps made the biggest mistake of their lives... It just doesn't make sense!!!

Jeri

My boyfriend was just younger kid, made miskaten and his parnets are not right teach him way. they dont care about him. i do understand his life and forgive him. He's doing good since last time he was kid. my family loves him..

Jeri

there were something happened to screw my boyfriend's life by sheierff and cops were poster at his college and kid school. that is not supposed to be in public, 1 level sex offernder. Lawyer won't help us to sue this washington less if we will pay him 4,000. we can't afford it. :(

Betty

THE SECOND CHANCE ACT H.R.261 . H.R.261 WOULD HELP OUR OLDER PRISONER'S MOTHER'S, FATHER'S AND GRANDPARENT'S OF NON-VIOLENT ACTS. THEY WILL OR ARE AT THE AGE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.SOME WOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE JOB'S. IT WOULD BE 45 YRS AND OLDER. SAVE TAX PAYER'S MONEY. THEY COULD BE MONITORED.

Wife of Prisoner

This bill would let my husbad come home in a few months, so I am VERY EXCITED about it! My husband is still paying for something he did in the 80's, and is back in on a "technical probation violation" after doing 2 years, 11 months of his 3-year probation! We have sold EVERYTHING we own to pay for a lawyer that cut a deal with the prosecution and left us hanging! So me & my baby are left destitute, I barely have enough to pay bills & daycare so I can work! So yes, please pass this bill!!!!! All praise to our Heavenly Father who will allow this to be passed and heal many families!

Naturescent

Why should non-violent people be serving time with hardcore criminals in the first place? They should be under court orders with a house arrest for their sentencing - no prison time. They should be required to go to regular counseling to guide them back into a way of life that benefits society. This would also allow them to earn a living to provide for their family - saving the taxpayers a huge amount of money while putting funds back into our country. We really need to separate the hardcore criminals from those who are serving time just because they got high or didn't pay Uncle Sam. Rather than bringing more crime to our country with an amnesty bill, we need to deport those criminals and allow our citizens serving time to do those supposedly low paying jobs. We need to clean up our own house before we can solve another country's problems.

HBB

While headed in the right direction for alleviating some of this "zero tolerance" idiocy the government is currently hellbent upon, the bill quickly got sidetracked into stupidity by clearly discriminating against anyone under the age of 45, which is absurd.

Also, cutting the sentences in half falls short of commonsense. They should be cut by two-thirds.

It should not pass in its present condition.

Veronica

This Bill should be Passed 100% I hope and pray that it will be passed ASAP, so that my husband Returns home to me and our daughters. My daghter has struggled with school since he has been gone, her grades have sliped tremendously. We just want him home. I think that inmates who are sex offenders as well as murders should be the ones to serve more time then these "white collar" crime inmates.

Shawn

Why does age have anything to do with it. How about a law stopping the stupid war on drugs in the first place.

Concerned in Texas

I support this bill 100%. There are so many men in federal prisons who unknowingly committed federal"white collar" crimes. It's sad. Then I pulled up all the sex offenders in my zip code and NONE OF THEM, served any time, for molesting small children?? Yet let's send a good person to jail for committing a crime he/she didn't even know was a crime? For some banking error? or recording error? What's wrong with this system? And living down the street from a friend of mine is a man who has raped many women, yet he serves no time! What's wrong with this system? Let's let these guys go and put "real" criminals behind bars. There's something wrong when sex offenders and rapists get probation and the white collar "good" guys get 3 years plus!! Good grief. Let these guys out! we need them making money, paying taxes, and contributing to society! And taking care of their families!

RLN

In leiu of past sentencing guidline problems with our judges there are many serving more time than perscribed by statute. I am in favor of this bill and the release back into society of non-offenders who have met the the terms outlined in this bill.

Mel

lET'S BE REALISTIC
tHE TAXPAYERS ARE PAYING FOR ROOM, BOARD,MEDS,RECREATION, AND HEALTH ISSUES.
tHE OLDER INMATES HAVE MANY EXPENSIVE HEALTH ISSUES
WHY NOT TRY, CHANGE THE AGE TO 65 AND IF THAT WORKS THAN 60 ETC
IT'S A WIN - WIN SOLUTION
NO DOWNSIDE

lucy

I strongly want this bill to pass.I am 100% for this bill
alot of people are non violent and are serving more time than they should. the system is so unfair.

Ryce Smith

I think the bill should pass, but it needs some tweeking. It is somewhat unfair to use a prior incarceration as a reason to not consider certain inmates. Many people who have been incarcerated have been in jail at least once before. As for the violent crime, well, as a young man someone may have served time for robbing someone at gun point, but later be incarcerated for lower level crimes. And well, getting a D-report in jail is common place. It will rule out so many people.
I think the considering factors should be the crime they are now serving time, there overall record , and general behavior while incarcerated, and their age. Many older inmates just want to begin to live a life and should be afforded a chance at release, with adequate supervision.

A YOUNG

Let these guys out and put the child sex offenders in.

G Williams

These nonvolient offenders are doing NOTHING but wasting AMERICAN tax payers $$$!!! Get them back into the working force and let go of these petty charges that again are wasting taxpayer $$$$ Believe or not that $$$ belongs to the AMERICAN TAXPAYER!! MOST OF THESE PEOPLE ARE PAYING TAXES WHILE THEY ARE SERVING TIME...in the words of Moses, "LET MY PEOPLE GO."

CE

My wife is one of the people that would be impacted by this bill. She is in prison because of ferderal prosecutors that abuse their position. Not because she did anything.

There are so many stories like my wife's. We should pass this bill, and spend the money saved by releasing these people on correcting the system.

LS

I would say that I am in favor of it passing H.R. 261 Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2007 from reading the Detailed Summary. I would even be in favor with the modifications of: the prisoner is serving for their FIRST (and hopefully only) Offense AND has met the second and third conditions, and then the age should not be part of the equation. I will be contacting my Representative on this bill.

J Young

This bill is a dream come true.Please get it passed.

M. Remington

I am in Favor of this bill 100%. It is the first prison reform bill that has several realistic benefits. It allows for those non-violent federal inmates who have learned their lesson and served a considerable amount of time to be released from prison and become productive members of society again. In many cases, especially hi profile cases, where a government agencies pursuit of an individual, can cause much media hype, the courts apply excessive lengths of incarceration to satisfy the media. There are many rehabilitated, good people behind bars, especially in the Low Security Federal Institutions, that have satisfied Justice, served long sentences >15 years that should be let out. Lets do the right and just thing. Pass this Bill for God's sake.

E Domangue

I am in full support of the bill. I think that we should put all the child sex offenders in prison instead of these guys who are in for stuff that didn't even hurt anybody! If i was a congressman, especially if i had kids, i would be passing this bill and composing one that would get all child sex offenders off our streets.

heather scruggs

I dont think it should only be for 1st time offenders only everyone's situation is different and every person should be looked at differently. people do change and not everyone is a fake. my husband is a born again christian since he has been incarcerated and he pays everyday for the bad decisions he made and when he sees that he is missing our children grow up he realizes that but in the gov eyes he is no different than anyone else but he is. God had 100 sheep and there was one that was lost and god brought him home. people need help.Quit putting them behind bars without rehabilitation. Give them something,because some of them do deserve it.Something has got to change. Crime isnt getting any better and it wont and when people get released they are going and doing the same thing. There is nothing taught , no morals. Some of them can be saved. God saved my husband by him getting caught and we are thankful for that.

tunterre

i admit that i don't know everything about this issue, but i know enough to support the bill...

Kathy

This is a bill that NEEDS to be passed. SO much good would come from it but not from locking up non-violent offenders.

Rick Snowden

This would be a great idea, not only to alleviate some pressure on the system, but release people who should not be their in the first place.

Wendy

I support the passing of this bill 200%. I have lost all faith and respect in the government and judicial systems of the U.S. My relative was sent to a federal prison for a crime she was not aware that she was committing. She worked for a company over 30 years before they decided she should not have been allowed to receive overtime pay. Of course the FBI didn't receive an anoymous tip until after she had paid them back all the money they said she owed them. She had been working for another company for over a year, and was very active in the community. As I have come to learn most of the women where she is where shafted by their "so-called" lawyers, and what I no longer teach my children "The great justice system of the U.S" I read that Vermont wanted to secede from the U.S. I say more power to them. I'm not proud to say I'm part of this country myself. Does anyone know how we, as voters and residents of our states can help this bill?

jeff greene

I support the release of this type of individual. Spending 50% of the sentance is more than enough for this type of person to get the point. Thats if they are truley guilty in the first place. If they were ramroded to cut the deal because of the downside possibility, they shouldnt be there anyway. Which I would guess would cover a lot of people.

Al

Guys in prison who had big businesses with many workers are more valuable to everyone,out.

Bernie

Judges using federal guidelines are handing out sentences too harsh for nonviolent inmates.Fix some of that with this bill.

KMS

My husband is currently incarcerated for an IRS issue. He followed his tax attorney's advice for 17 years. Little did he know it would land him in prison. There are plenty of other good people that have been senteced for white collar crimes that are serving a useless sentence. Some of these people I have seen when visiting my husband are 70 & 80 years old that walk with a cane and what in the world are they doing there....I can hardly believe it. It's hurting the families the most. These inmates could be at home with their families and be productive tax paying people instead of costing the taxpayers more and more every year. I am 110% for the bill. Let the non-violent over 45 citizens get a second chance!

James

It's about time we save some tax dollars for caring for these inmates. I'm all for releasing those that are no threat to society. Wake up Congress!

AH

This bill makes sense. Prisons are so over crowded and with the taxpayers footing the bill. I think this is a plan where everyone can win.

M Williams

Just because these offenders are 'non-violent' does not mean their actions didn't indirectly affect others. People who embezzle, cheat the IRS, deal drugs, or steal should not be treated lightly because they didn't directly injure someone. If you do the crime, you should serve the time. What kind of message are we sending to children if we let these offenders off?

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

THIS BILL IS DYING BECAUSE NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT IT
THROUGH EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL SEND A COPY OF THIS BILL TO
CRIMINAL ATTORNEYS,
NON- VIOLENT INMATES,(THEY WILL TELL THEIR ATTORNEYS)
LEGAL BLOGGERS,
LEGAL PUNDITS
THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THESE PEOPLE DON'T EVEN KNOW H.R.261 EXISITS

Mark B

You know what would be even better? If they released any person that's in prison for an income tax crime, or for drug selling, or posession, prostitution, and any other so-called that harmed no-one's person or property.

There wouldn't be an overcrowding of prisons in the first place if these draconian laws weren't in place.

Rick

I think this bill is an excellent idea. Why do we spend hundreds of millions of dollars in tax money incarcerating nonviolent offenders in minimum security institutions when they could be placed on home confinement.

HLH

This bill should have been out a long time ago & it is ridiculous to keep paying $30K PLUS for each inmate when they could actually be out WORKING to pay taxes, not sitting on there butts 'collecting' money. I am 100% for this bill.

Philosopher

A thought for everyone to consider in this bill and voting for it look at the big picture of it all. Someone earlier mentioned Capone and Enron as examples of people who if this bill existed they would have never been charged. Do you want your children to grow up believing that wrong is wrong and you should be punished for it OR that some crimes are less offense than others in the long run? People have mentioned that in a whole the US is lacking on taxes, there for the people that have to pay need to pay more. Remember that part of the reason that you are paying more is because these people did not pay their share when they were supposed to. Mommy and Daddy go to jail for something they did, but then get released and get a slap on the hand in the long run so they can be with their families. Ok, fine... but then what impression did that give the children? Oh, mommy and daddy just went on vacation for a little bit to a very bad place but everything is ok now?

Philosopher

HOW about a happy medium? Have them serve time in jail. Have them serve time, but less time for the less offensive crime. Then put them on house arrest as well for a particular period of time. This puts them back to their families but also keeps them in check. Then the third thing is that there is some kind of "red flag" so to speak on these offenders for the government to watch for a particular amount of years. IF all of that doesn't work, send them into a high school/college class in their area on history, business, accounting, and finally, ethics. Heck, make this last part mandatory. You get them back into society to help everyone else out, but you also have them prove that they did learn a lesson. Use your brain otherwise it is wasted. All muscles must be exercised to reach their true potential. THINK for yourself, and do not follow the crowd. You can agree with me or not, that is the beauty of America.

JJ

This bill would alleviate overcrowding and allow these offenders a chance to 'make good' in there later years of life. We spend too much money housing offenders that deserved no more than a fine and a slap on the wrist! Mandatory minimums are not sensible and does not allow judges to dictate the sentence to fit the crime.

Dolores Goff

this is a good bill and should be inacted. there is too many people in our prisons that should be home with there kids taking care of them. and there is way to many older people in prison.we need to cut back on the money spent to house. send them home on house arrest and save our country some money too.

FED up

The age limit needs to be eliminated totally. Way too many people of all ages and races in prison for first time non-violent offenses. Corrupt federal judges are handing down EXCESSIVELY long terms, destroying lives and families in the process. What's wrong with house arrest? Very cost effective and makes sense. The worst offenders are in Washington. They're the ones who need locked up!

About Time

This definately needs to be done. They are trying to figure out how to house more inmates at the expense of tax payers and this would help with that issue. They really need to take another look at sentencing guidelines which would help emliminate this problem to begin with. But overall I think this is great, I just don't agree with the age requirement.

grandmother

I strongly support this bill However I disagree with the 45year old age requirement why should a person younger have to serve all of their time verses someone 45 years old. The younger person if they met all the other requirements they deserve a chance to start over. Most of the people in federal prisions are younger, they have small children that need their parent. It is a matter of survial

Save Us Some Money

With the cost of the war so extreme, cut the cost of housing people who are no danger to society. Use those millions of dollars to defend all of us. Putting white collar criminals behind bars creates more problems than it solves. Putting non-violent offenders in with violent offenders does not make the violent less violent, it destroys human nature. Please pass this bill and devote the money saved to keep our military personnel safe, our country safe and win the war.

SK Tamarapu

It would be in order to make them to undergo punishment for a brief period and repent for the mistakes done. Their ability and talent can be utilised for the betterment of society. They will in turn understnd their responsibilty and strive to contribute their might to the community.

j.c

I support this act. we have more dangerous criminals on the street and not enough room for them. yet rapist and killers are getting less time then drug dealers. it doesnt make sense it is easier to rehabilitate a non-violent offender than a violent offender.

becky

I strongly agree on this bill being passed as there are so many people in prison who do not belong there for such a long time. They have paid there dues and need to be let go.Why is it the lesser offenders are still spending time, while child molesters, and people with violent crimes spend a small amount of time in prison and are then let go only to do it again. This bill supports people who are not violent and have learned a lesson from their mistake. Let them go home, and make room for violent offenders who do not belong in public.

A CONCERNED US CITIZEN

your messing up families and children are missing their parent or parents because you have to place people in prison for as long as you want over small crimes. Why do you let the violent offenders walk free early and keep these non violent people behind bars? It doesn't make scence. What is wrong with you? I think it's time that we the poeple stand up and tell you what we think.You count on us for your presidential and other elections. Why not listen to us now. Why do you think you can just do what ever you want with someones life and destroy families like you do? LET THE SMALL FISH GO AND KEEP THE LARGE FISH. Your wasteing our tax payers dollars.There are poeple who belong behind bars and poeple who don't. You tend to focus on the poeple who don't.I PRAY THE GOOD LORD WILL TOUCH YOU IN A WAY THAT YOU WILL MAKE BETTER DECISIONS ABOUT WHO BELONGS BEHIND BARS AND WHO DOESN'T.BECAUSE THE WAY IT STANDS YOUR NOT DOING A VERY GOOD JOB OF IT...

Ann Mortimer

Please pass this second chance bill. I pray that America will not turn a deaf ear to reformed men and women who want and need a second chance. America is a compassionate country-we must do the right thing. Locking up, throwing away the key and never giving a helping hand to deserving families and inmates who have repented and long for a chance to live and work in a free society.
Think dollars, too--what a tremendous savings for our government not to keep prisoners long after time for them to go home again!Please do the right thing here!

S. Hernandez

I fully support this bill. My Aunt is incarcerated for a federal crime and recieved a 20 year sentence. BUT!! the prison feels she is a waist of tax payers money, AND they even released her for three days on her own to see her own father in the hospital. They feel she should have been released a long time ago. SO WHY aren't they.

Anyhow I hope I can figure out how to assist her with gtting out soon, with this bil.

J Franzese

I fully support this bill. I know a man who is currently incarcerated for a federal crime for which he received 55 months.

He has learned a lot about himself and life since his incarceration. People like him deserve a second chance.

He is a teacher and role model to other prisoners, and is trusted and respected my the CO's.

It's time to stop wasting taxpayer money on people like this! Lets let them back into society where they can make a difference!

pam

I believe this bill if it is passed would be a very good thing for many people that have their loved one in federal prison. If they commited a non-violet crime these people should be getting out of prison sooner so they can be home with their children. There are a lot of hurt children, these children need their father.

Ray

I support this bill..Lets get it passed!!

Krys

I support this bill. We must stay on top of this. The mandatory sentences are excessively long. The punishment is not fitting the crime. If all the non violent offenders were released we wouldn't need to build more prisons. These sentences do not take families/children into consideration at all...

Kim

Please..Please pass this bill...This bill would let my husband come home in a few months I have sold EVERYTHING to try stay a float during this hardship with the sole bread winner of the family incarcerated. I am working 55 hours a week to have food on the table for my children and I. We are left destitute, I barely have enough to pay bills. So yes, please pass this bill!!!!!He is a non-voilent person and never been in trouble with the law. He has learned a lot about himself and life since his incarceration. People like him deserve a second chance. Our children miss their Dad and many of nights we all have went to bed crying.
Please pass this bill and heal many families!

Pamela S

Please let's get this Bill passed. Let the harmless, older people out from behind bars so they can care for their families & contribute to society. I've got a loved one doing time for following the wrong advice, someone who's history is only a speeding ticket. There are far more important things to spend our time & money on.

das heise

ENRON, need I say more. These felons were non-violent criminals, although they devastated thousands of families by destroying their entire nest-egg and taking their futures away from them. These people earned their right to sit in prison, let them enjoy it.

Want to fix the problem? Contract-out ‘our’ violent criminals to China’s prison system and watch violent crime slow down to crawl.

info4beer

It is my hope that every person in favor of this bill has their 'identity' stolen by a non-violent criminal and their lives completely ravaged by someone they plan to help set free... only to steal again. Maybe the person you help set free will prey on the elderly, they are easy victims for these non-violent types. Thanks for trying to help society by encouraging non-violent criminals with a free pass.

Please show me

Please explain or show me how I can get involved in helping to get this passed.

Jay Silverman

I am in favor of H.R. 261 but I think that early release should be related to the dollar value of the offender's non-violent crime as defined during the trial process - some prisoner's are serving many years based upon over zealous prosecution and the number of statutes that were violated even though the monetary significance of the purported crime is exceedingly small !

David N MO

1. Repeat violent criminals should be declared outlaws and shot on sight. I don't give a d*mn how nice they are.
2. Harmless old guys that non-violently steal someone's identity, max out the credit cards and empty their bank accounts should rot in prison.
3. Any person considered for an early release must begin to make immediate restitution to his victims PLUS interest.

Criminals, you made your bed... sleep in it. It's not the government's fault you damned your family by your actions.

That being said, getting caught with a toke and being sentenced to 50 years is shamefule to our legal system.

idalynch1234@aol.com

this would be the best for everyone

Amy

There are some people just get caught up in the wrong things just to survive this cruel world . I think that they should pass this bill it would be great.

Joani

I am 100% in support of HR-261 ammending title 18. White Collar first time offenders need a second chance. We as taxpayers are paying huge amounts of money to prosecute and to house in overcrowded Federal Prisons these offenders where there are absolutely no programs to help them while incarcerated. Our society would be better served with lowering these incredibly long sentences and allowing these first time offenders to become productive members of society where they can keep their families from also falling apart.THIS BILL NEEDS TO BE SENT TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW, AND YOUR CONGRESSMEN, SENATORS ETC. IT MUST PASS NOW.

Donna M.

I am very passionate about this bill. My brother is currently incarcerated in a federal institution for white color crime with a 22 year sentence. He has served 12 years of his sentence and is 63 years of age. He is intelligent and would be a great asset to the community if he were released. His family would also be very happy to have him home.

D. McKinney

I am 100% in favor of this bill and pray it passes. Give non-violent first time offenders a break and allow them to re-establish themselves to society as soon as possible. It will get their families off of the welfare system and promote a solid family life for children. PASS PASS PASS

ANNETTE LUPO

ALL PRIOR COMMENTS ARE MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY AND THEN SOME. THE TRUE CRIMINALS ARE THE PROSECUTORS AND JUDGES. THEY ABUSE THEIR POWER AND LIE TO ACHIEVE "WINS" AND, AS A RESULT, PROMOTIONS. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE SUFFERED TREMENDOUS INJUSTICE BECAUSE OF OUR SO-CALLED JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE NEXT BILL WE HAVE TO WORK ON IS TERM LIMITS FOR ALL JUDGES, BUT ESPECIALLY, FEDERAL JUDGES WHO ARE APPOINTED FOR LIFE!!! ARE YOU AWARE OF THAT?

shawn

Dems will not move on this until after the 08 election. No soft on crime or fair on crime bills until we see a clear path for passage. IE until we get rid of that idiot in the white house.

Jennifer Cox

There are no words to describe how pain full it is to know that your father has been sent away for simply following a lawyers advice.I have had to explain to my children,8 and 3,that Pappa has had to go away for awhile and can't come over.My mom KMS has had to explain to my 4 year old sister that her dad won’t be home for awhile.Our children just don't understand why we went from seeing Pappa every Sunday,to having to visit him in a controlled environment for a certain number of hours on certain days.I am 28 and I barley understand it!He is a strong,smart,loving father,husband and business man that was taken advantage of to the most horrible extent by someone he trusted and who will suffer NO consequences.This bill being passed would allow my father to come home to his family from a sentence that he shouldn't even be serving.God bless everyone who supports this bill and makes the effort to get it passed.As one person we may not make much difference,but as one mass we will!!!

Jeff DeMerchant

Make this happen and bring people back to their families. Punishment should be just and fit the crime.

mike z

I believe this bill would relieve
the prisoners, thier families, and our government of their expence. I think imprisoning someone for a non violent offence that was minor after they have repaid their debt and had their lives and families already ternished and stripped is absolutely awefull.

Cherlyn Jackson

vOTE yes!Now is a waste of tax payers money,non-violent offenders serving time while violent offenders hang in the balance of the system. Let's not only get our law makers to pass this bill but act on it ASAP!

KAT

THIS IS A GREAT THING AS LONG AS ITS FOR ALL INMATES OVER 45 NON VIOLENT LOW SECURIY INCLUDING DETANED IMMAGRINTS THAT ARE NOT GOING TO BE DEPORTED LIKE CUBANS AND FOR THE ONE THAT CAN BE DEPORTED RELEASE AND DEPORT STOP HOLDING THEM FOR THE 85% AND SEND THEM HOME STOP SPENDING THE TAX PAYER MONEY ON THAT AND REHABILATATE THOSE WHO ARE TO REMAIN IN THIS COUNTRY AND TEACH THEM UNITED WE STAND. MAY GOD BLESS THIS COUNTRY

KAT

ALSO NOT JUST 1ST TIME OFFENDERS
THEY SHOULD LOOK AT EACH INDIVDUAL CASE NOT THE SAME RULES FOR EVERY CASE THESE ARE PEOPLE HERE NOT JUST NUMBERS IT WOULD BE IN THE BEST INTEREST TO TEACH THESE 1ST AND 2ND TIME OFFENDERS TO MAKE MONEY AND SUPPORT THERE FAMILIES WITHOUT BREAKING THE LAW INCLUDING CUBANS WHO CANNOT BE DEPORTED THEY ARE HERE TO STAY TEACH THEM TO BE AN AMERICAN AND PAY TAXES ETC

tennessee

i do support this bill, BUT, the punishment must fit the crime. are drug dealers non-voilent offenders? do they commit crimes against society? how many families are ruined by drugs? hoy many families torn apart by drugs? how many children starve and do without because their parents are addicted to drugs? DRUG DEALERS SELL THESE DRUGS TO THE PARENTS OR WORSE TO THE KIDS!!! IS THIS A CRIME AGAINST SOCIETY? IN MY OPINION(YES) IS THIS A NON-VIOLENT CRIME? IN MY OPINION (NO) LOOK AT ALL THE VIOLENCE CAUSED BY DRUGS AND ALL THE DEATHS OR MURDERS CAUSED BY DRUGS. THIS IS A SERIOUS OFFENSE. THE MAN WHO DISCOVERED COCAINE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW MANY DEATHS? DONT WAREHOUSE OFFENDERS, PUT THEM IN WORK HOUSES, LET THEM WORK OFF THEIR DEBTS, NOT BUILD TIME! THE PUNISHMENT MUST FIT THE CRIME, FOR ALL OFFENDERS, NO MATTER WHAT THE CRIME. WHEN I WAS A CHILD AND I DONE WRONG I GOT SPANKED, THATS HOW I LEARNED MY LESSON.THE PUNISHMENT MUST FIT THE CRIME! FOR ALL OFFENDERS!

w kesterson

I believe that H.R. 261 would be a decent and timely chance to rectify a very harsh sentencing situtation for many a first-time Non-
dangerous law offenders.
Many of these people are First-Time offenders that have led a decent life and raised families that they can be proud of and due to a slip in their good judjement, somehow crossed the line in a moment of lacking this good judgement, is now having to live with a life ruining penalty for what could be a otherwise normal and productive future. I would say that most of these offenders have already suffered enough disgrace and humiliation that not only adds these many years of punishment to the offender, but also serves to punish their families, friends, etc.

I honestly believe that an amnesty should be considered (after a decent time served) for each and every 1st time offender that does not show a potential for further offenses. Please - Vote with your commonsense and Heart

DW

I think the Bill should be for all citizens, who decided on the age of 45? My daughter had to go away for 26 months over $800.00. It's not that i don't think she should have recieved some punishment, but as year,2000 miles from home. Doesn't make sense to me???

Kim

We support this bill 100% because
people deserve a second chances.

Sandra

Please folks, vote for this bill to pass. We have a wonderful friend that is the first one there to help others. He pleaded guilty to something he did not feel he should be punished for, in order to keep his precious wife from going to jail. Neither one have done anything that deserves the punishment the two of them are suffering. He is 66 years of age, a wonderful man in his neighborhood, church and any need a person may have. What is wrong with our country? Lock up the good man, feed him, clothe him and take up a space where a real criminal should be spending his nights and days. Heavenly Father, please, hear our plea. Amen!

K. Robinson

....it's also wrong not to correct a wrong!P

K. Robinson

It is also wrong not to correct a wrong!

Gerry Bain

I support this bill 100%. Mandatory minimums are a travesty of justice. They MUST be changed to allow for considerations of special circumstances,i.e., FIRST OFFENSE, NON-VIOLENT, CRIMINAL INTENT, PROBABILITY OF REPEAT OFFENSE, etc.. Under manditory sentences, too many judges just don't care nor will listen. Let's get this changed ASAP.

Donica Wheeler

I am for this 100%.The prisons are overcrowded and it cost millions to keep these people in prison and help support there family's. Let the non violet first offenders come home, they can work, pay taxes and support there family's..

dewey

The "Over 45" legislation is long overdue in the system. I can attest to the fact that it would save a tremendous amount of money for the BOP and DIJ. You forgot to mention that the bulk of medical expenses incurred by the BOP involve those 45 and older in the system. It is time the federal government and the states stopped acting worse that China and other nations when it comes to incarcerating our citizenry! Your analysis of the EU conditions was spot on. We cannot continue to lead the world in incarcerated citizens. It is not a badge of honor, it is an indication of an eroding society and an abusive government.

Jackie Rubenstein

I support this bill 100%!! There are too many inmates in the prison system who do not "need" to serve such long sentences. There are way too many professional people and first-time offenders who could be productive members of our society if given a second chance! We're costing the taxpayers way too much money by housing these people and giving them sentences which are much longer than needed!!!

Maxine Cox

I hope the the house votes on this and gets it passed before the thee end of the session for the holidays

J King

Finally...a bill that makes sense! Considering the fact that our prison system is so overcrowded and the expense is so great per inmate, it makes perfect sense to allow non-violent offenders the opportunity to go home and start a new and productive life for themselves. I hope that this bill gets looked at favorably.

ShellyT

This bill is important not only to the families of inmates and the inmates themselves, but to society. We pay far too much to house prisoners at the federal level. We need this program as well as parole reinstated to start getting to where we need to be. There are many problems with sentencing itself that need to be fixed as well.

CBennani

I support this bill my mother has been at FMC Carswell in Texas for about 11 years she is erving a 17 year sentence this bill would bring my mom HOME!!!

Betty ann

I support this bill! However my brother Billy passed away in prison serving all but 72 day . Billy was in prison for 14 years.

karen c

I think the prisons are gonna be really overcrowded with the new talk to minors on internet law,10 yra for talking to policemen is a lot of time for a no contact crime

karen c

I think this should start with no contact non violent crimes first, and what does the age of 45 have to do with anything? We are paying for this, if nonviolent federal prisoners were released they could pay there own way.

MAYRA

I AGREE THAT THIS BILL SHOULD BE PASSED IMMEDIATELY . NOT ONLY ARE WE PAYING FOR NON VIOLENT OFFENDERS TO BE IMPRISONED ALSO MANY HOMES AND FAMILIES ARE BEEING TORN APART BY THEM KEEPING THESE MEN AND WOMEN IN PRISON. POEPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT WE CAN MAKE THIS LAW PASSED SIMPLY BY WRITING A LETTER TO OUR REP TO SPONSOR ON THIS BILL THE MORE REPS WE GET TO SPONSOR THE FASTER WE GET THIS BILL PASSED.

Jenny

This bill has been put on the back burner way too long. We are keeping people locked up who are no threat to society. The cost to keep them alone should warrent this to pass. Think of the good they can do when they are out in society. I say PASS THIS BILL, do not delay.

Lois

This is a wonderful bill. What can I do to help pass it?

MAYRA

WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS WRITE A LETTER TO OUT REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS FOR YOUR STATE ,YOU CAN LOOK UP THERE NAME AND ADDRESS BY GOING ONLINE TO UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND FIND THEM UNDER YOUR STATE AND WRITE THEM A LETTER SO THEY CAN SPONSOR THE BILL

Glenda

Bill HR 261 needs to be passed. The sentences for non-violent offenders are too harsh. It would be more reasonable for the offender to be on probation, do community service, and keep working so that they could provide for their family.

M and D

I think that the age should be lowered to 35.

Paula Minder

This bill needs to be passed. The sentences for these non-violent crimes are too long. Let them contribute to society, we are paying too much to let them sit and do nothing. Not to mention the burden on their families.

Debbie Rouse

Bill HR 261. It's about time someone is thinking of making a change in this system. Murderers get less time than someone for a non-violent crime. Too many deals are being made by our legal system. Families are being torn apart. The system needs to take a good look at what they are doing. Pass this bill, please!

D.M. Powell

Long-term incarceration of non-violent offenders, and in many cases 1st time offenders is ignorant. We have child molesters, murders, rapist, etc. Released because of mandatory sentencing. RELEASE non-violent 1st time offenders, place that 30k++ per prisoner into our schools, family education, drug education and protection.

M. Bartlett

Incarceration of non-violent offenders until they reach the age of retirement is foolish. Upon release they are still a burden to society. Incarceration is for punishment and prevention. If it takes a life time to teach someone that-we should consider this our failure not the failure of the incarcerated person. Release non-violent 1st time offenders after job training has been accomplished.

R. J. Cady

HR 261 is the intelligent choice. Do not delay. Enact this bill. Utilize time in prison to train inmates to be productive citizens--not model prisoners. Return the monies spent on prisoners to our children and prevention methods. Studies are incomplete--the cost of keeping an elderly person incarcerated long term and the eventual release of that person that is upon release too old to work and is placed on Welfare and lives in Government housing. We pay for life!!! 30k is VERY conservative!!! Enact this bill today.

A. Wilkins

H.R 261 is important in that it provides an opportunity for offenders to return to society, care for their families while they are still physically able to do so. Currently we incarcerate offenders until we support them and their families until death. Families are left without an income, using what little they have to pay for legal appeals, or we pay for the appeals if an appointed attorney is warranted. Pass this bill. Return these non-violent offenders to society give them a second chance to reform their lives and support their families.

das heize

Nonviolent crimes are defined as property, drug, and public order offenses which do not involve a threat of harm or an actual attack upon a victim. Typically, the most frequently identified nonviolent crimes involve drug trafficking, drug possession, burglary, and larceny. Pablo Escobar would be set free if imprisoned. His drug cartel is responsible for hundreds of murders. Francisco Félix guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute, cocaine. His drug cartel is responsible for hundreds of murders. The Gulf Cartel is a notorious drug running organization based in Matamoros, in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The Juárez cartel was assumed to be responsible for some 50 percent of illegal drugs that pass through Mexico to the United States. It rose in the past decade to become one of the hemisphere's - if not the world's - most powerful crime organizations. Some US sources estimate the cartel's income reached as high as $200 million a week.

info4beer

Nonviolent crimes are defined as property, drug, and public order offenses which do not involve a threat of harm or an actual attack upon a victim. Typically, the most frequently identified nonviolent crimes involve drug trafficking, drug possession, burglary, and larceny.

Al Capone was convicted by the federal government for income tax evasion.

Paul Castellano (Mafia boss) arrested on charges of racketeering, which was to result in the Mafia Commission Trial.

Vincent "The Chin" Gigante was imprisoned for dealing in heroin and paroled five years later, responsible for dozens of murders, charged but never convicted. Finially Gigante was finally convicted on several racketeering and conspiracy charges and sentenced to 12 years in a federal prison, the jury convicted him on all but the murder charges.

Jimmy "the Attorney"

das heize and info4beer - Your argument proves too much. Should nonviolent criminals be treated as though they were violent because there are "probably" violent crimes that they committed?

Taking down mafiosi is one thing, but people should serve sentences that reflect only the crimes they have been convicted of. Otherwise, our system of justice would no longer be rooted in, well, justice. Nonviolent people might criminals might serve hard time because someone perceives them to be "bad" - and perhaps murderers would get light sentences because someone perceives them as "good."

The punishment should fit the crime, no more no less.

cc

I'm not sure if someone is serving a life sentence for three strikes and your out, for related drug crimes, what does that mean in terms of this bill? Half of a life sentence? So what constitues the number of years of a life sentence?

das heize

Exactly.... I agree 100%. "People should serve sentences that reflect only the crimes they have been convicted of", ‘convicted’ is the key word.

Once convicted they need to serve their full time, and not be let-off becuase their crime is considered non-violent or they are 45 yrs old.

You folks should be trying to change the sentencing guidelines for these types of crimes, and not trying to free convicted criminals so they can run the streets and violate decent law abiding human beings.

Kathleen

I think the age should be dropped to 40. This bill should be passed. I was in prison for a crime I did commit and I deserved to be punished. I was confined for 2 years for a non-violent white collar crime. Who suffered, my kids and family. All day long, we watched tv, read, crocheted and took naps. We worked very little for $.12 per hour. Will I commit another crime, NO!! This is a complete waste of taxpayers money. There needs to be other alternatives. There are so many decent people in the system who simply made a mistake and will not make another one. Everyone deserves a second chance!

Husband gone

This bill isn't going to pass, give up. I have lost faith in our government. They are to busy dealing with other governments to care.

das heize

"Who suffered, my kids and family", finially you understand that prison is "punishment". Your actions affect others around you... thus and saddly your family suffered. Hopefully others who commit crimes such as yours will think of those they affect before doing something stupid.

"Will I commit another crime, NO!! "... it even appears that you have been completely rehabilitated, kudos to the prison system. Thanks for sharing.

L. Davenport

I would be in favor of this bill if one sentence could be striken "has obtained the age of 45". Now what difference does it make if you are 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45, if you are incarcerated for a "white collar" "non violent" crime, for heavens sake, let them all be released. I don't think that anyone realizes the financial liability on friends and loved ones of a federal prisoner who is responsible for paying for all of their upkeep, other than housing and food. The families have already been put under a big burdon with having that one taken from their home and providing needed income for the family. Then to have to send the prisoner money for all necessities is unreal. I would bet that most non violent prisoners, regardless of age, would contribute more to society by being released and allowed to go home to their loved ones. Please amend and pass this bill. Thank you!

Wife of an inmate...

Please pass this bill. As of this very moment my husband is very ill and I get a third party call, they have moved him to a medical facility. Where..No one will tell me...What is his health condition...No one will tell me...He is unable to phone home to get word to his family. My husband of 27 years of marriage has never been sick or in the hospital till he was cast into prison. My husband is a first time offender, never been in any trouble with the law. He took the advice of an attorney and look at where he is today. Our family is torn apart and each one of the kids are suffering without a father or grandfather. How can we get someone to listen to us. Many families are crying out, but NO one seems to care. It is all about the government and not about bringing love ones home and mending families lifes that are in ruins. Please whatever we need to do. Pass this bill.

Jenn

LET'S GET THIS BILL PASSED! deserving first time offenders will get a break, families will be relieved, tax payers will be relieved... who can argue with this? there are hundreds of men and women locked up in federal prisons that do not belong in a prison. they deserve a second chance with help, not punishment! my brother will be soon serving 6.5 years for a non-violent crime. he has held a good job with decent pay for over 10 years. he never hurt a soul, he made some bad decisions because he was suffering from severe depression and borderline personality disorder before he was arrested. he needs treatment, not punishment! and he's been paying his own way for his own treatment, his groceries, his housing... everything! why put the burden on the tax payers?! PASS THIS BILL!!

broken heart mom

I THINK THAT THIS BILL WILL HELP THE OVER CROWDING OF PRISON, BUT MOST OF ALL IT WILL HELP BROKEN FAMILIES, BOTH PARENTS NEED TO BE THERE FOR THE CHILDREN AND GROWN MEN AND WOMEN NEED TO BE WORKING. WE NEED MORE CHRISTAIN REHAB'S LIKE TEEN CHALLENGE WHICH IS HELPING ALOT OF MEN AND WOMEN GET THEIR LIFE BACK ON THE RIGHT TRACK.

Mary

My sisters are 66 and 62 years of age. They made one little mistake and recieved 63 months because they refused a plea deal and wanted wanted to go to trial to prove thier innocense. We need to bring back parole for nonviolent senior citizens. Our family was so close and now we are so depressed and sick of the justice system, it's no wonder that this makes violent people out of nonviolent people. My sisters had never had as much as a speeding ticket. Their grand children cry for them. Lower the age and cut the time to at least one third. I am so tired of my tax dollars paying for such non sense.I see little children brought in once a week, sometimes from other states to visit thier mothers. They hang on and cry when they leave. There is no excuse for this. Pass it Please!!!

rob

YES pass the "middle age white guy, get out of jail free bill." It’s a perfect way to keep the financial fraud, racketeers, mobsters and investment cheats out of jail. Drug trafficking and the ancillary violence that goes along with it are not the problem, it’s the harsh sentences. If you have been convicted of a crime there are probably several you already got away with! Look when you consider that people with violence in their pasts would probably be disqualified from consideration you can eliminate most inmates right off the bat. it’s a complete waste of time to even consider this. Look given the level of financial fraud and opportunism of the last 5 years it should be no surprise that the white guy sentencing relief act would be proposed. Currently over 100 public officials in NJ alone have been indicted for crimes of corruption, this would effectively reduce their absurdly light sentences to almost nothing, coincidence?

Fred

In principle, I think this is a good thing. Let out the nonviolent offenders, get them back into society as a contributing force, rather than a drain.

However: 45?

I'll agree with pretty much everyone here that the age limit should be eliminated. That seems to be a pretty arbitrary number, and I wonder how they came up with it. Given the requirement of having served half of the sentence, the age restriction seems superfluous and suspect.

Dr. Harvey L. Friez

Non-violent offenders should not be in prison.... Rather they should be working to reimburse those who were victims of whatever crimes were committed. It serves no purpose to have people in prison as the expense of taxpayers when they could, under strict supervision, be repaying any damages done to others.

J Earnest

There are a lot of young people in the prime of their lives wasting away in prison for a one time mistake. Think of what they could contribute to society if they have indeed learned from their mistakes. My husband is in prison on a conspiracy charge. he drove a vehicle to a certain town.That is all. The ones who took the vehicle from there and actually got caught red-handed with drugs are already out on parole after 18 months in the state system My husband got 5 years in federal prison. Where is the justice in that? Instead of it being based on age, it needs to be decided on a case by case basis.

M MATTOX

GOOD GOING GOVERNMENT! LET SENIOR CITIZENS WASTE AWAY IN OUR PRISONS BECAUSE OF RATS.TWO LADIES WERE SENTENCED TO 63 MONTHS W

Home

Blog

Subscribe

Site Search

Recently Visited

Subjects

Budget Categories

Sponsored Info

Sponsored Links

What People Think

Take Action

H.R. 261, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2007

Learn More

Visitor Comments

M.FUENTES

G.FUENTES

M.GARCIA

R.Lee

R Doyle

T CYPRIAN

R. Blair

John Worthington

Susan Taylor

Rachael

Nora Callahan

Earl Adams

Passionate about the Bill

Dino

Tee

KRM

I

B Young

Julia

Wat

Virginia

Ken Meyers

Jim Stone

Joyce Cooper

Bob Bacon

T. Rich

cmfeeley

E Reed

Michelle

LACY

swhaley

Juliana Bezerra

Donna

L thomas

Michelle

Donna

Nancy Baker

shania jones

Michael de Angeli

Sarah

Richard Ratner

D. Dettles

Sara Loope

Sadie

DST

Que

Antonio Espinal

C. Jacob

K. Hammer

A. B.

JAR

Ellis Lacombe

L MATTOX

Mrs. Lacy

Courtney

Aida

HM

DAberly

Lyle Waggoner

Norma

MARILYN

A wife without a husband

t

CDavis

A Wife's Voice

K. Sparks