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H.R. 261, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2007 (400 comments ↓)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
H.R. 261 would amend title 18, United States Code, to provide an alternate release date for certain nonviolent offenders.
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Visitor Comments 
SM
April 14, 2008, 9:52pm (report abuse)This bill needs to pass. Innocent people are in prison just to met quotas. It would make a whole lot more sense to have thesefirst time, non-violent, white collar people at home under house arrest paying back their restition instead of costing the tax payers 44,000 to keep them in prison. Why do we have to destroy them and their families? We are not rehabiliting them, we are teaching them & their families to hate. Most white collar people didn't even know what they were doing was a crime. Our judical system stinks amd the sad thing is no one knows how bad it is until you experience it. Pass this law. The second chance law really doesn't do anything for the people in jail. Pass HR 261
mike
April 16, 2008, 12:56am (report abuse)I support doing away with prisons altogether, if the crime is bad enough shot them, or else supervise their lives in a way that makes the state money and allows them to stay with their family for the few hours they're not working. But this board is skewed by one of two post over and over again. Stop it.
Jen
April 17, 2008, 3:26pm (report abuse)I very much support this bilL, I feel that the taxpapers don't need to be paying for them to be in prison and they should be released so they can work and help support their familes. I would like to see them released.
G
April 19, 2008, 1:32am (report abuse)I support this bill. My mother was incarcerated in a federal prison for a white collar crime. She had been doing the same type of things for her boss for years and had gotten caught up in the whole situation. She has well paid for her restitution now and has endured public riducule and embarrassment along with our entire family. I think that she and many others pay enough in those ways without the horribly long sentences, considering that someone who commits a violent crime gets less actual prison time. I wish they would pass it. It might bring my mother home and save us a lot of tax dollars.
Rhonda
April 22, 2008, 8:10am (report abuse)I think it's a good idea to release non-violent offenders early. The prison system is over-crowded,let the baby rappers and murders sit.there they deserve everything they have coming to them.
Tonya
April 28, 2008, 9:19am (report abuse)I believe that this is Good for the non-violent offenders.Their are children that are lacking their fathers.A non-violent offender should be put on probation or given another chance.We all have made mistakes in some bigger than others,even if they are hidden.God knows all things.
LeLe in Naptown
May 1, 2008, 9:38pm (report abuse)My fiance was incacerated for a crime someone else committed nor was he aware of the crime being committed until after the fact. He is an intelligent, spiritual, wonderful and hard working man. Having a felony makes it hard to find a job, he is enrolled in school,but many offenders do not have love and support fromtheir families and then they are released and cannot find jobs, then end up in prison again. People who oppose this bill are the reason felons feel hopeless and return to their bad habits...Jesus died for our sins and therefore we are forgiven by God by simply ASKING, no one is asking YOU to die, just open your heart and mind and be aware that if you were in their situation you would like the same consideration this bill would offer. God bless
Ken M
May 4, 2008, 9:07pm (report abuse)This bill not only makes sense but puts money back into society. The reason these first time offenders are in the facilities is because they are easy convictions and once they have a federal record it is even easier to get another conviction and send them back. It is a numbers game being played with human lives.
Twins
May 7, 2008, 12:44pm (report abuse)I support the bill all the way. I think they take up to many beds in our prisons for non violent offenders. They should make more room for Child molesters and murders. My mother is doing a 30 year sentence for a non violent crime and it's crazy to have that much of her life taken for a conspiracy charge on drugs. 30 years now come on people that cruel. I pray and pray for this bill to pass because i need my mom home. It's been a long 12 years.
Louisiana Mom
May 9, 2008, 9:56am (report abuse)Please pass this bill--my daughter and son-in-law are in Federal Prison and I am raising their 10yr daughter& 14yr son for the next 4yrs. Our daughter is so far away we only can visit 2 a year. My husband & I are almost bankrupt..the age limit for this bill should be dropped!!!
M.McGill
May 20, 2008, 7:46pm (report abuse)The Federal Prison system is unjust with the maximum sentence. If it is a state offense, they do not get such a stiff sentence. There should NOT be an age attached to this bill. Non-violent offenders can be any age. There are reasons to support this bill, Family - money - overcrowding.
RA
May 20, 2008, 9:59pm (report abuse)I totally disagree with 45 yrs old and served l/2 of his term. I know a person who is a non-violent person has served 13 yrs is 58 yrs old and has 25 yrs to go.To make it fair, say 40 or 45 years old and has served 5 yrs of his term.Five years is long enough for a non-violent person. Let's get moving on this, we need to write, write, write every few days don't let up.
V.Carter
May 21, 2008, 9:51am (report abuse)Definitly support this. There are so many of these offenders in Federal Prison who could be productive and be with their families.
P.Enss
May 21, 2008, 11:43am (report abuse)I wholeheartedly support this bill. There are countless people in prisons that are innocent, because of our corrupt judges, attorneys, prosecutors and our government. LET'S TAKE BACK OUR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!
T. Sumner
May 21, 2008, 3:29pm (report abuse)I support this bill 100 and 10% it makes sense (that one is a shocker for US. Government.) My father was sentenced to a very long term because it was right after 9/11 and they were punishing the people who were arrested from possession of drugs unfairly and unnecessarily he has a lot of "good time" as they like to call it but I will be grown when he gets out i will have a life and family something he won't be able to be apart of which is crushing for a 13 year old girl to constantly remind her self. I AM 13 AND I DON'T HAVE A FATHER BECAUSE OF THE UNFAIR PUNISHMENT OF THE PAST !!!!! Please i'm begging you help me get my father home. sooner i don't want to be 32 when my father gets out of prison i want him to be apart of my life and success i don't want to tell him about everything i've done and show him pictures i need him to be there for me im in 7th grade he's missed so much already HELP ME BRIG HIM HOME HELP ME PLEASE I NEED A FATHER !!! I NEED TO KNOW MY FATHER
Josh
May 26, 2008, 3:35am (report abuse)What are you nuts, people? What does non-violent offenders mean? It means us. We are the non-violent offenders. This includes dissenters, american citizens, anyone who is religious including christian and jew, people who can't pay their taxes, people who are accused and convicted of crimes they didn't commit, etc. Alex Jones had read this bill and he doesn't like the look it.
Margaret
May 27, 2008, 1:57pm (report abuse)I support this bill 100%. My husband was sentenced to 6 1/2 years for a non-violent crime. He went away January 4th,07. We have a 7 year old who is now living without her daddy until she is 12 years old. I feel that these non violent offenders can do sometime, then they can get a lot more help from their families, friends & others. Our tax money is paying for these over populated prisons. This bill could certainly help americans in many ways. Let's get this bill passed.
Dahlia G. MADERO
May 28, 2008, 2:41am (report abuse)Not all prisoners are bad . RAPIST,SEX OFFENDERS, AND KILLERS should be punishied. but, the rest should ge lighter sentancing.My husbend is doing 5 years for a gun charge that had no clip or bullets..OUR SONS need there father and so do I...
Charles
May 28, 2008, 1:03pm (report abuse)I have a family member in Federal
Prison for witness lying on stand
and Judge and Prosecutor covering up their mistakes. She was given
3 years instead of probation,
Camp, or home confinement. she did
commit a white collar crime. She is
in a Fedeal Prison with Murders, drug dealers, users in which fights
break out all the time. the facility is overcrowded as they continue to send more in. She has file 5 motions to date and the Judge has responded with the most lame excuses heard by anyone.
Charlottesvill VA Federal Court
system is corrupt. Friend who is
a practicing lawyer wld not take her case because he said the Federal Court system in the area
is to corrupt. This bill needs to be passed....and now. She just wants to come back to her family, get a job and get on with her life
what is so wrong with this.
Huh?
May 28, 2008, 5:43pm (report abuse)Obviously, most people that support this bill are lower-class citizens who have family members in prison. 99% of the time, anyone who ends up in prison deserves to be there, and it makes things safer for everyone, especially children. I'd like to live in a safe world, where the convicts and sickos are in prison forever. 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.
Punzo
May 30, 2008, 12:17am (report abuse)I fully support the HR-261 bill 100%. Our brother is serving a 15 year sentence for conspiracy. He was not caught with anything, he was at work, when DEA agents followed the man who my brother rented his garage to and this person is now a fugitive, so the federal government went after my brother since he was the owner of the house. The never had a proper search warrant, etc. He is a first time non-violent offender. He has never been in trouble before. He has always worked to provide for ex-wife now and his three children. This bill must pass, there is a big disparity between these harsh mandatory sentencing laws which are not fair. Please we must take action and help release some of these people that do not deserve to be there. They would be more productive citizens outside working and paying taxes than inside costing tax payers millions/billions of dollars each year. WE LOVE AND MISS OUR BROTHER! He will be there 3 years in January. Please it is not fair.
Barbara
May 31, 2008, 9:43pm (report abuse)Would this new law apply to someone who committed a bank robbery? My finance is serving a 17 1/2 year sentence when he should have only gotten 7 years. We are on our 8th year and my kids have grown up with out their dad. It is sad that the government can't give out fair sentences. ey want
jane linville
June 9, 2008, 4:29pm (report abuse)I am for this simply because my best friend is doing 26 1/2yrs. for a she said he did drug sale with no drugs to prove anything. so she could get off a fellon with a gun charge. he has done 11 yrs. he was a dentist and paid taxes. she worked for an excort service. come on he got screwed,let him come home. he's done his time,save the tax money for a real criminal!
John
June 13, 2008, 5:44am (report abuse)I think this bill is dead, so thank goodness. I don't buy all these "overcrowded" prison myths. Maybe having an overcrowded prison will prevent people from committing crimes. Think about that.
Darlene
June 20, 2008, 3:03am (report abuse)rehaul the whole system obviously its not working. you no longer need evidence to convict an innocent person all it takes is a lie from a vandictive person and your life is ruined.
Kristen
June 22, 2008, 10:04am (report abuse)HOW CAN WE FIND OUT IF THIS BILL IS ACTUALLY GOING TO WORK OR OF IT WAS OVER TURNED? BECAUSE ITS BEEN OVER A YEAR..
THIS BILL REALLY NEEDS TO BE PASSED. DO YOU REALIZE THAT THE PEOPLE WHO DO LESS VIOLENT CRIMES ARE GETTING MORE TIME THAN THE MURDERS? THIS MAKES ME SICK. IF ANYONE KNOWS ABOUT ANY UPDATES CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW?
Peggy
June 25, 2008, 9:24am (report abuse)I feel early release would benefit the families left behind. Parents that need their son/daughter home to help them. Some parents will never see their son/daughter home before their death if this bill is not passed. Or at least let them go home and serve the rest of their time on house arrest.
wrongway
June 27, 2008, 5:03pm (report abuse)Tottaly against this Bill whats that old saying if you cant do the time then dont do the crime My dau was sexually explioted by the mother and her boyfriend they are currently charged with human trafficing and other charges to think that a judge could sentence and the some bleeding heart liberal like Miss Jackson would support them getting out makes my stomach turn
nick
June 29, 2008, 7:59pm (report abuse)This bill is a good idea but it should NOT be limited to non-violent offenders. It should be available to all prisoners in the Federal system. Setting aside the revenge factor, sentences in the US tend to be higher than in other industrial countries. And we fall short in providing effective rehabilitation programs to ensure that when inmates are released, they are ready and able to become productive members of the society.
ForJustice
July 5, 2008, 10:05pm (report abuse)I think this bill should become law because it will apply to many individuals in prison who shouldn't be there for the long sentence put on them, just like my father, who was charged for a crime he never committed.
christopher omar garcia
July 11, 2008, 11:41pm (report abuse)this bill should become law cause my step dad is doing 5 years for a gun charge and he was not even living in home were they found it . There are so many inmates in prison that should just get probation or lighter sentance cause, my step dad has made such a difference in my life and my familys.i wish i could just help do something.
mramos
July 13, 2008, 11:01am (report abuse)The US House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary on http://judiciary.house.gov/ will review this bill.
Donald B Parsons
July 13, 2008, 3:34pm (report abuse)PRISONS have become A HUGE CORPORATE ENTITY all consuming. We have a prison system TRADING on the NYSE and their commodity is prisoners and how many they have imprisoned on any given day. This is a sad state of affairs, SO MAKE ROOM FOR REAL CRIMINALS, NOT BUILD MORE PRISONS.
statesdoitwhynotfed
July 15, 2008, 9:31pm (report abuse)its bs, i have family member in federal prison for fraud and i see on the news all day long how prisoners get released from state prisons who molest children. doesn't make any sense
Renee
July 17, 2008, 7:21am (report abuse)It would be more beneficial to have the age of 35 years or older; there are younger first time white-collar offenders that could benefit from this. I have to be honest it only takes 30 days in a prison to realize the mistake you made. The prisoners are treated in humane. Put them out to build parks, playgrounds, clean highways, instead of sitting there to do absolutely nothing but their 1 hour of work a day. Let them give back to the community.
Donna Restel
July 21, 2008, 1:29pm (report abuse)What is taking the Congress so long to act on this bill?? Its over a year since it was introduced.
Catherine Godwin
July 22, 2008, 7:58am (report abuse)Many people don't know that we have more women incarerated per capita in Oklahoma than anywhere else in the world. A shocking statistic ... but true. I am a grant writer for Catalyst Behavioral Services in OKC which works closely with the Department of Corrections for rehabilitation rather than incarceration of non-violent drug/alcohol offenders. I am very passionate about this cause. I'd like to see if we can form a lobbying group to force a change in legislation. My idea (so far) is to have the children of non-violent inmates send their pictures and letters to our legislators. Please e-mail me if you would like to join me. Godwinconsulting@yahoo.com or call me at 412-9267.
Catherine "Cat" Godwin
redbird55
July 26, 2008, 11:27pm (report abuse)I think this would be great. There are so many good people in prison that made a mistake. Why not give them a second chance. After all, no one is perfect.
Carol Hartman
July 27, 2008, 5:42am (report abuse)Give first time non-violent offenders a second chance. There's lots worse State offenders getting off in very little time for very violent crimes against others. Why are we spending our monies to keep tax-paying, good citizens locked up for their first offense? Gov't, get it straight!!!!! Pass this bill. Be equitable! Take an offender's life situation/character into perspective when sentencing.
RPB
July 27, 2008, 9:41pm (report abuse)There is no glory sentencing murders,rapist and child molesters. The glory is getting a GOLD star and catching high profile people like Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Ray Lewis. The prosecutors and Judges along with the FBI have formed a pac. "Let the bad guy get off and destroy the good guy" If I can prosecute the high profile guy I'll get my name in the paper and maybe a promotion!!!!!
Laura Gordon
July 28, 2008, 6:01pm (report abuse)I will support this bill until justice will be served to prisoners who are incarcerated for NONVIOLENT crimes!!! This bill will relieve over crowding and put people in who are actually murdering innocent people, raping, and molesting innocent youth!
Earl F
July 28, 2008, 6:45pm (report abuse)Remember, the majority of crime is committed by convicted criminals; therefore, if you keep criminals locked up it follows that most crime will be eliminated. This little secret has already been proved by a police department in Raleigh/Durham. This law should provide that for every criminal given an early release who commits another crime against society, the people who support the law, shall serve in prison, the remainder of the criminal's original sentence.
Kristen Antinopoulos
August 25, 2008, 7:27pm (report abuse)I completely and fully support this bill. I, too, have a loved one serving time in a federal facility for a non-violent, white colllar crime. It was his first offense but was still sentenced to almost 5 years in a federal facility. He is a well-educated man who could be a productive member of society, rather than wasting tax payers money by being stuck in the cafeteria, handing out silverware and cups. He is sorry for what he's done, and has served more than enough time to prove that. PASS THIS BILL!!!!! For my dad's sake and all the dads, sons, brothers, husbands, nephews, friends and other loved ones who are spending too much time in prison!
Ginger Freeman
August 27, 2008, 7:14am (report abuse)Why is this so hard to get with the committee. We need more taxpayers, and we are paying them instead of them contributing to society. NON VIOLENT! We let the violent ones out and leave the non violent in. Makes no sense at all. REINSTATE FEDERAL PAROLE IT MAKES SENSE.
SOS
August 30, 2008, 1:02am (report abuse)I support this bill 1000%. My husband was sentenced to 41 mo. for knowingly and willingly allowing drugs to be distributed in a business. He was not quilty, but was told if he did not take this charge, the gov. would go after and charge his 75 yr. old Father, who owned the business, and has for almost 40 yrs. His Dad's health was declining and my husband would open the business for a few hrs. a day. My husband had a totally clean record, worked at the same job for 25 yrs. His father had been battling with the city for many yrs. because they wanted his property. The city couldn't do anything because he fits under the Grandfather claus, he has owned the business for almost 40 years. 1 yr. later there are criminal charges. Go figure. My husband made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his Dad. This is C R A Z Y!!!!
KMartin
September 2, 2008, 11:42am (report abuse)I SUPPORT THIS. My husband is serving 14y 'conspiracy'. All on the words of some that were caught doing meth. My husband is a nonvioelnt 1st offender & 45. Not only do we have to make up for lost income at home but send all extra to our loved ones for their bare needed necessities. If the general population new the truth about our Federal System, maybe they would 2nd think the actions of our government. Please, for those interested, read comments on website prisontalk.com, each will be slapped into reality.
..Just want to share my story
September 3, 2008, 6:43pm (report abuse)I would like to start off by saying that Im only 13. My Dad is the closest person to me in the world. I didnt even know it was possible to love somebody so much. He is a great person and an even better Dad. He made the wrong decision like everyone else he IS human. I just dont beleive it is a fair punishment to take someone away from there family if what they did didnt affect anyone. He did make a mistake and he ALSO learned from it. Being taken away from your family is one of the worst things you can do to someone. The least they can do is shorter the time for those who deserve it. It would be better for our economy and for the happiness of the families in America Just thought I would share my story with you! Be happy though because there is always someone who has it worse than you.
Gary McCord
September 8, 2008, 12:29pm (report abuse)Pass this! Why are violent criminals eligible for parole but an individual in the FED system, with no priors, no violence denied this! Do we keep ruining the lives of families due to these crazy rules and guidelines???
Jerry Stone
September 8, 2008, 7:28pm (report abuse)It would be a service to our communities if we didn't put non violent offenders in prison with no parole because they made a mistake like many do and don't get caught. We keep them from society and it makes it harder for them to be part of society again. Many who were not caught got the 2nd chance because of a scare or learned from the mistake. We need to give these folks a 2nd chance too. We all have had a 2nd chance in one way or another. It sure could relieve the tax payers and allow them to earn a living again, and pay taxes. Who ever thought that taking away parole would make this a better place. We have enough torn families and violence. When the system is not working, people tend to stray from the system.
R. Correia
September 17, 2008, 4:26pm (report abuse)This is a way to reconcile violent vs. non violent crime sentences, save taxpayer dollars, help prison overcrowding, and make more room for violent criminals to remain incarcerated. I support HR261
judy kriescher
September 24, 2008, 11:26pm (report abuse)This bill should pass, not just because of the overcrowding in the prisons but; because the non- violentn people who are waiting for a spot to open in prison, should really be on house arrest until that prison opens...it makes a lopt of sense to the taxpayers also. Our son has been yanked around in his 4th palce in 2-months..each detention center being worse than the last. we can't even see our son to visit him unless we look at him thru a TV screen. I feel that the time they spend in a detention center should count for double of their time...if they stay in detention centers for 6-months it should be considered a year or give them house arrest until the minimum security prison opens. I have learned a lot about how people are treated in these places, why would anyone want to come out and be a model citizen, I an all for punishment to fit the crime, I feel very strong about being treated as everyone murdered someone, voting rights taken away, makes our whole family not want to vote .
C Matthews
September 29, 2008, 6:41pm (report abuse)This is also a good law for non resident immigrants or undocumented immigrants for they are just using the space and spending tax dollars and most of them only entered the country illegally so they should be put under ICE and be deported.
j brown
September 30, 2008, 12:59pm (report abuse)this bill needs to be passed as soon as possible.
this is a bill that only makes good sense. i,m afraid if you morons in congress don't start paying attention to your constituents your going to feel there wrath. to sentence 1st time non-violent offenders is redioulous but it seems you legislators are great at making rediculous decisions.
get off of your duffs and go to work get this bill out of commitee and into the senate
Andy
October 2, 2008, 12:12pm (report abuse)this is a good bill but shoudnt the age limit be 40 ,why 45.this bill gets nonviolent prisinors away from bad elements in our prison system.
Missi
October 11, 2008, 12:47am (report abuse)Our nation needs this to pass. It will restore families, put people back into the workforce, save taxpayer money, and address oveercrowding. This won't apply to violent or repeat offenders, let's do the right thing and get these husbands and daddies out of prison. Our Federal system doesn't even offer parole anymore, but most people on the street aren't aware of that.
Leo and Marie James
October 18, 2008, 10:04am (report abuse)we strongly believe this bill should be passed. We have a dear friend who is in Sandstone serving a 5 year sentence. He is a victim of the internet. He is not a criminal. He is a celebrated teacher and coach who was a "pillar" of his community. He doesn't belong in prison at all, but certainly not for 5 years. Please cease wasting the government's money and release this productive member back into society and others like him who should not be incarcerated. Thank you.
Janet Greer
October 20, 2008, 12:53pm (report abuse)This is the greatest "fair bill" in a long time. My son has lost his job, home, automobile and children. Drugs drove him to his crime. He was a user not a dealer.Save the cells for the dealers and never let them out. So many lives are ruined. Please pass this bill
Maria Ota
October 21, 2008, 3:02am (report abuse)Save on tax payer's monies if nonviolent offenders are released. They are not a threat to society. Make room for the violent offenders. Do it soon and also save millions of dollars. It's a win situation for everyone.
Jessica Grant
October 23, 2008, 12:43pm (report abuse)I believe that this bill should be passed 100%. There are convicted murderers being released evey day back into society. The same men who killed to become convicted are being released to become our now cop killers! How is it fare that they can be given a second chance, but the people who commit petty "white collar" crimes have to sit out a full sentence. The jails are over crowded and I don't appreciate my tax dollars being spent on prisioners that can be rehabilitated and generate new revenue. Let these people go home to their families and children. There are not enough good fathers out here to raise our children and our justice system is releasing known murderers as our children's role models. What's up with that? Let these men come home so that they can educate their children about right from wrong and teach from their mistakes.
Munae
October 23, 2008, 6:35pm (report abuse)If you are ever unfortunate enough to have someone very close to you go to prison for a non-violent crime, you would definitely want this bill to pass. From the time these people are indicted until they actually go to prison is punishment in itself. Our tax dollars could be better used to feed, clothe and shelter the poor. I am for this bill 100%!
Randy
October 26, 2008, 12:07pm (report abuse)Please support this bill and possibly make community work program a part of it.
D. McD
November 1, 2008, 8:49pm (report abuse)My husband is in prison with a 91/2 year sentence.It is not even a non violet crime ,nor,adrug charge. I feel as though he should have only got 3 years not 9. I want them to bring back the 65% law. He is in prison where there is no heat.Regardless, of the crime all the monjey prisons get what about their health. And people wonder where so many diseases come from!!! I feel as thought they need to bring the early release program back indiffently.
GINNY
November 2, 2008, 1:24pm (report abuse)I AGREED WITH THE EARLY RELEASE AND THE PERSON HAVING SERVED AT LEAST HALF OR MORE OF THEIR TIME. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PERSON THAT IS NOT 45 AND HAS SERVED HIS OR HER TIME WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE THEM
WHAT ABOUT ALLOWING PAROLE TO COMPLETE THE TIME. AND ALSO THOSE WHO HAVE FINISHED SCHOOL OR COLLEGE WHO CAN BE AN ASSET TO SOCIETY.
THE MONEY THAT IT IS COSTING TO SEND PEOPLE TO FEDERAL PRISON COULD BE MONEY SPENT ON BUILDING A COMPANY TO EMPLOY THESE MEN/WOMEN. THIS WOULD DIVERT THE OVERCROWDING AND HIGH COST AND HELP TO PUT MONEY IN SOCIETY ON THE DEMAND SIDE FOR GOODS AND SERVICES
Marina G.
November 5, 2008, 11:21pm (report abuse)I and my 2 small children strongly support this bill. It is an unnecessary amount of time one needs to serve in prison for a first time offense. I believe, though, that the age requirement needs to be lowered to at least age 35. The children need both parents by their side to grow up to be normal people and to be part of society. These prisoners are not violent people and they deserve a second chance, especially if they can be an asset to society and their family.
Bridgett S.
November 11, 2008, 7:26pm (report abuse)I support this new law 100%. I believe that any offender should be punished to the extent of the law, but in my case I am the oldest of 3 girls and our mother was convicted for distribution of meth at the age of 49. She had lived a normal life, always held a job and supported herself and her children, until she was about 47 when she got in with the wrong crowd and got addicted to the drug and then the money. She was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, although she has only been incarcerated for 17 months I know she has already learned her lesson.
juliana65
November 13, 2008, 2:37am (report abuse)I am delighted that the Committee is considering changes to the federal law to allow for the early release of low-risk older prisoners. The new direction set out in H.R. 261, “The Federal Bureau Prison Non-Violent Offender Relief Act of 2007,” is long over-due and vitally needed in the federal prison system.
For a prison system, there are generally four horsemen of the apocalypse that can (like their biblical counterparts) combine to produce a catastrophic crisis: recidivism, overcrowding, budget shortfalls, and acute demographic shifts in population. Many states and the federal government are experiencing the ravages of all these dangers. These problems grew considerably worse after the United States moved to an indeterminate sentencing model to a determinate sentencing model.
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juliana
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juliana65
November 13, 2008, 2:43am (report abuse)I am delighted that the Committee is considering changes to the federal law to allow for the early release of low-risk older prisoners. The new direction set out in H.R. 261, “The Federal Bureau Prison Non-Violent Offender Relief Act of 2007,” is long over-due and vitally needed in the federal prison system.
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juliana
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Darlene
November 17, 2008, 9:21am (report abuse)We keep sending innocent men to prison but we let the guilt free
Why is that?
we need a total rehaul of the justice system and we need it now!!!
RWC
November 18, 2008, 3:01pm (report abuse)My wife has lived over half of her life and made a mistake, was guilty, confessed to the FBI, federal prosecutor, employer, family, friends and church of 2000 members willfully subjecting herself to humiliation and embarrassment. She had paid some restitution; lost our home, and we had to file bankruptcy. Church and community leaders spoke out for leniency. She in turn was sent to a facility 13 hrs away that was over-crowded, instead of the exact same type facility 7 hrs away that was not. Her sentence was 3-4 times as long as any case found in the last 4+ years that involved similar circumstances and evidence. She leaves behind juvenile twins and a husband that dearly loved her. This piece of legislation is seriously needed.
Erika Haase
November 22, 2008, 12:21am (report abuse)Please pass this bill. Our prisons are overflowing with older people who have committed non-violent crimes. There are other methods of punishment that could be utilized to make our prisons more effective. This bill is smart and I will do anything to push it up for consideration and approval.
Jean Marx
November 30, 2008, 7:20pm (report abuse)I support this bill HR261 but feel it should be for any age.
Falsely Accused
December 17, 2008, 7:47pm (report abuse)I recently spent thirty days in jail due to corruption in our county. I was celled with seven other females. All but one were nonviolent offenders who had already done a substantial amount of their time. People don't realize how families do the time along with those convicted. In my opinion, early release for nonviolent offenders who have shown good behavior, along with supervised parole would be a wise choice not only for economics but for humanity's sake. Our justice system is out of balance. I implore everyone to speak for the early release of the nonviolent. We are not doing society any favors by keeping good people who made mistakes behind bars. Psychological testing is available and would be an indicator if the person would be a repeat offender. It is time we give those who were convicted a second chance. If the truth were told, a great percentage of people could be jailed for past offenses. It is time for compassion.
SUSAN
December 22, 2008, 11:13pm (report abuse)I BELIEVE NONVIOLENT INMATE SHOULD BE RELEASE.. LETS HELP THEM GET BACK TO THEIR FAMILIES ESPECIALLY IN THESE HARD TIMES..
p stanley
December 26, 2008, 3:15pm (report abuse)I strongly support this, but I don't agree that age should be a factor in this
D.CARRABY
December 29, 2008, 2:45pm (report abuse)I strongly support this bill. I believe nonviolent inmate should be released. Someone sentence to 25 years for a nonviolent crime, have done half of the time should have a second chance to prove to society that they have learned their lesson. Please give the inmates a second chance to prove themselves to society, family and the justice system.
Dave
December 31, 2008, 9:47pm (report abuse)Does any one know if H.R. 261 has passed as now (12/31/08) ?
D. Snyder
January 1, 2009, 7:25pm (report abuse)Having a son as an inmate of a Federal Prison Camp I support this bill 150%. He meets all of the criteria necessary for early release.
Sandy H
January 5, 2009, 9:07pm (report abuse)I wholeheartedly support this bill. It's the right thing to do!
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From the Blog
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So, we all want human smuggling stopped, right? H.R. 6468, the “Putting the Brakes on Human Smuggling Act,” seeks to do precisely that. (The Senate version is S. 3250.) If human smugglers and drug smugglers used commercial vehicles in t...The Passion of the Comments
I’m always interested by the personal stories that show up in the comments here on WashingtonWatch.com. It’s a window onto people’s experiences in some of their most difficult times. Here’s a sampling. On H.R. 261, The Federal...