What People Think
 |
 |
58% For, 42% 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 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Yahoo! |
H.R. 61, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2009 (239 comments ↓ | 3 wiki edits)
H.R. 61 would amend title 18, United States Code, to provide an alternate release date for certain nonviolent offenders.
()
[1,981 views]
Learn More
RSS Feeds for This Bill
Keep yourself updated on user contributions and debates about this bill! (Learn more about RSS.)
Visitor Comments
wolfrobin
April 19, 2009, 3:27pm (report abuse)I have found my soul mate by writing to someone who did a crime. He has served more than half his sentence already and deserves afresh start like so many others. he didn't rape or kill anyone or even hurt a child. some people deserve another chance. They should be able to return to their families and their loved ones. Some people do learn from their mistakes, not all but some do.Thank you for making this bill possible.
shaye
April 19, 2009, 6:10pm (report abuse)come on now seriously they said nonviolent offenders..people are acting like they said let's let all the rapist, murders, and child molesters out. the way i see it that's what they are doing anyway..the jails are over populated anyway let the nonviolent offenders that qualify out and reduce the time on over sentenced nonviolent offenders this only takes common sense vote for this bill PLEASE!!!!
Linda Hollingshead
April 19, 2009, 8:02pm (report abuse)I absolutely support HR61. Non-violent offenders have been and continue to be grossly over sentenced to time that overpays for the offense. It saddens me to see some of those comments from people that believe any time that has been given to an offender is automatically appropriate. The all too prominent cliché, "If you do the crime you should do the crime" is antiquated. Our young men and women are becoming casualties of political big wigs who strive to make examples of how effective their judgments are. The problem with this is that over abundant sentencing means over abundant taxing. So if for no other reason than to save yourself some money, vote for HR 61, and release those Non-Violent Offenders.
Melissa
(logged in user) April 20, 2009, 1:32pm (report abuse)I pray to god that this bill passes. Im ready for my brother to be released. Lets get together and support and get this bill passed.
Ramon Subervi
April 20, 2009, 2:41pm (report abuse)After serving more than a 50% of a sentence a prisioner who has demostrated a good behavior should have a second chance to go back to the society with their family. I think we all make mistakes and have the opportunity to learn from it. Let give this people a new chance.
Andrew
April 20, 2009, 5:08pm (report abuse)At least 10% of inmate are innocent and serve time only because they did not have money for good lawyer. I fully support this bill
Regina
April 20, 2009, 7:51pm (report abuse)Let's pass this bill, there has been too much time for some nonviolent, especially first timers, and not enough for violent offenders. Everyone deserves a second chance.
blueberry
April 21, 2009, 2:40pm (report abuse)yes my borther did what he can do for his family to help his anybody and now he is doing big time since 1997 how time do he have to do before they him go he got 2 daugther and son and so he don't following in his father footstep he needs to be there for them all.`
Buddy
April 21, 2009, 3:48pm (report abuse)Yes, this would make sense and save tax payers money. Most of white collar are people like you and me and made one mistake. Let it pass
weebaby
April 22, 2009, 2:38am (report abuse)this bill should be passed,and anyone who is against it is very selfish and inconsiderate of giving prisoners a second chance so they may have to opportunity to make a change and be there for their love ones. everyone in prison is not a threat to society
Concerned
April 23, 2009, 3:30pm (report abuse)Yes, I trully believe this bill should pass. We know most people take a ples even though they may be innocent of the charges because taking their chances in court and louse, the time is a whole lot more. Also so many can not afford a paid for attorney. Many are innocent but have no choice. They need a break, plus the money saved on TAX payers behalf whould be tramendous. Pass the bill please.
Leigh
April 26, 2009, 12:46am (report abuse)Absolutely! Let's get this one passed as well as HR 1475.
We need to bring people home who have spent more than their time due.
Percentages
April 26, 2009, 10:07am (report abuse)It is interesting the score on voteing is 50/50 Now
It was 32/(64 against) Almost all the comments are in favor of bill passing. Make one wonder where these No votes are comming from. They don't care enough to say why should not pass.
We are doning great, Ask more of your friends to vote positive on this site
Thanks
Knowing
April 26, 2009, 10:17am (report abuse)You are correct in that most comments are in favor! Everyone needs to tell all their friends to come on line and vote!
sistersister
April 27, 2009, 9:52am (report abuse)Of course this makes sense, so are the percentages in favor broken down by gender? Some judges' sentences for non-violent first time felons are longer than for some who commit serious felonies against other people. Makes no sense except for power play. Women seem more practical (with our dollars & cents, too!)
Q. Kearse
April 27, 2009, 10:14am (report abuse)I believe that this bill should be PASSED! We have people that has been incarcerated for almost half of their lives. Mostly for offenses that may be drug related and receive ridiculously sentences. There are homicide/rape suspects or suspects with greater offenses that receive sentences that are very lenient. I think that many has learned their lessons and should be re-evaluated for release! PASS! PASS! PASS!
sister2
April 27, 2009, 1:45pm (report abuse)I PRAY TO GOD THIS BILL IS PASSED, BECAUSE THE PRISONS ARE OVER CROWDED, AND TAKING TOO MUCH OF THE TAXPAYERS DOLLARS... HAVE MERCY AND GIVE NONVIOLENT OFFENDERS A SECOND CHANCE....
Bill2Bill
April 27, 2009, 4:19pm (report abuse)Pass this bill....you could pay KBR and Halliburton more money. That way, you make more money and you leave good people that made mistakes alone. Ya dig?
Gianna
April 27, 2009, 7:11pm (report abuse)This is a no brainer people. People do deserve second chances. Even the President was saying they deserve a second chance. Please if there's a chance to fix this country and help these wifes why not send them home.
I Agree
April 27, 2009, 10:12pm (report abuse)Get your friends on line and vote for this Bill. We can beat it and hope the Senators and Congress people will pass it. It is not fair that the same crimes on a State level is less time plus they have parole. Also save tax money
Dusty
April 27, 2009, 10:42pm (report abuse)PLEASE PASS THE BILL!!!!!!Well i thing thE LAW is CRAZY well i have a uncle who KILLED my aunt he did only 25 years now he;s out on the streets but my friend make one LITTLE mistake an he got 20 years and yeshe have done half of his time i just dont understand the lwas but i pray every night a chance come MAY GOD BLESS WHO EVERY make these crazy laws...PLEASE PASS THE BILL... my friend need to be home raising his KIDS please give these human beings another chance at life please....PLEASE PASS THE BILL...
TOOT
April 27, 2009, 10:43pm (report abuse)please pass the bill
SISTER2
April 28, 2009, 10:33am (report abuse)I BELIEVE IN, IF YOU DO A CRIME YOU DO THE TIME... BUT WHEN THE SENTENCE IS REDICULOUS - THATS WHEN I DISAGREE, THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THE STREETS RAPING KIDS AND KILLING PEOPLE, BUT THE LAW IS SO BUSY AT FOCUSING ON THE DRUGS ON THE STREETS AND PEOPLE ARE DYING EVERYDAY. THE TIME THEY ARE GIVING THESE OFFENDERS FOR A DRUG CHARGE DON'T MAKE ANY SINCE - MAKE ROOM FOR THE SEX OFFENDERS AND THE KILLERS THAT ARE STILL OUT ON THE STREETS, AND SEND THE NONVIOLENTS OFFENDERS HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES, I BELIEVE THEY HAVE LEARNED FROM THIS LESSON....
sister2
April 29, 2009, 2:11pm (report abuse)PLEASE PASS THE BILL....
concernedsister
April 29, 2009, 2:32pm (report abuse)I support HR61. I feel if a person
has been sentence for a charge and given to much time. Some of these people are 1st time offenders and don't deserved the time given to them. And there familie are out here waiting for them to come home.
I really feel that they should consider looking at different cases.
MissingDad
April 30, 2009, 2:07pm (report abuse)This bill needs to be passed. I need my father home. He was unfairly sentenced to 23 years. He has served 13 years already for a non-violent drug offense. And he is 53 years old. This law needs to be passed so that he can come home to his wife, three children and granddaughter who miss him and need him. They is a man of God and an amazing dad who is wasting his time away in jail where he doesn't belong. What do I need to do to get this bill passed?
michelle cottrell
May 4, 2009, 12:39pm (report abuse)this bill needs to be passed.i could write all day on this subject.
but it would be easier to go to fedcure.org.
and please support them too.
lots of information.
tim wagner
May 4, 2009, 12:39pm (report abuse)i support this bill
johnny wagner
May 4, 2009, 12:40pm (report abuse)i support this bill
SISTER2
May 5, 2009, 10:09am (report abuse)DO ALL OF US A FAVOR AND LET THIS BILL PASS, SO THAT THESE PRISONERS CAN HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO PROVE TO SOCIETY, THAT THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIFE... PLEASE PASS THE BILL....
wr
May 9, 2009, 7:38pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill. please. I totally support HR 61
CMc
May 9, 2009, 10:36pm (report abuse)I totally support this Bill. It needs to be pasted.
lwood
May 11, 2009, 2:27pm (report abuse)does anyone have a current update on the status of this bill in the legistlature?
kcee15
May 14, 2009, 3:03pm (report abuse)This bill is so needed.
The life style for drug addicts is so diffrent from the Alcoholic. Drug addicts find they have to steal to get their next fix. The 28 to 90 day treatment for the alcoholic has proven to be successfull, the drug addict needs much longer time in treament. 90 days simply helps the addict to get clean then,AND ONLY THEN, does the work begin for the addict. Addiction is a three fold disease, Mental, Spiritual, Physical. Please pass this bill......
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 14, 2009, 8:48pm (report abuse)Good bill should be passed immediately but then what? If your loved one is a federal felon good luck getting a new start. Check out HR1529 the “Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009” It badly needs your support. Do so by going to the two following sites and sign the petition.
http://www.wedeserveourlivesback.com/
http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/a_second_chance_for_firs...
Tisha
May 15, 2009, 11:46pm (report abuse)I think this bill should pass soon with no hesitation,considering how jacked up our economy is. You have people in prisons for lesser crimes ,doing the same the same amount of time as a murderer . It just doesn't make any sense.
Gary
May 20, 2009, 12:02pm (report abuse)I believe bill should pass these people given lengthy time are really non-violent offenders and poor african americans,Never know how it feels until happens to u are love one.
tony
May 23, 2009, 9:11pm (report abuse)yes to this bills i have a uncle how has done 10 years and is nonviolent who's family need him and miss him
CRT
May 28, 2009, 10:24am (report abuse)Why should a convicted felon be allowed to get out early? And why, brokenhearteddad, should they be given special treatment if they are released early. They are convicted criminals and should serve the maximum punishment allowed. Just because a member of your family would benefit you believe everyone else should buy into your act.
This is bad legislation and should not be passed.
TERRY BARRE
May 28, 2009, 6:50pm (report abuse)PLEASE PASS THIS BILL BECAUSE THESE ARE NOT VIOLENT PEOPLE AND THEY ARE ALL SORRY FOR THEIR CRIMES.
BRICE EGANA
May 28, 2009, 6:52pm (report abuse)YES PLEASE PASS THIS BILL. I THINK BECAUSE THEY ARE NO VIOLENT CRIMINELS AND WE THE TAX PAYERS CAN SAVE MONEY ON THERE CARE
Barbara Barre
May 28, 2009, 9:24pm (report abuse)First time offenders who made a mistake and are sorry for what they have done and have conducted themselves in that manner, never participated in any violent crime, should be granted an early release.
Joyce
June 1, 2009, 4:55pm (report abuse)This bill needs to be passed as soon as possible. There are many first time, non violent, no victim white collar drug offender that have never commited any other crime in their life that under the Mandatory Mininum Law, were sentence to "Life". These people have been locked away and forgotten about by our government. Only their family members suffer. Surely for a first time, non-violet, no victime sentence where the offender has spent 20 years in prison surely needs to be released. After 20 years, of incarceration, I think they have paid their dues. Please consider releasing David Correa - 036627-068, we need him home.
AHolaway
(logged in user) June 4, 2009, 9:38pm (report abuse)This law passed would free my son, but without some assistance from the government in helping him get employed (because of his criminal record) he is still incarcerated. Family and friends can only take him so far. He wants to go to school, wants to be a truck driver and wants to be a father. I hope there's a stimulus plan for him and those in his shoes, who got the crime doesn't pay message.
Mrs.Foley
June 5, 2009, 2:09pm (report abuse)I agree this bill should be passed. My husband has been gone for 13 years. The kids and I miss him. He is a non-violent offender,and deserve to let out.He has learned his lesson.
Silva
June 13, 2009, 11:14pm (report abuse)This Bill need to pass. You can murder a person and get less time then the people that are in for non-violent crimes. Non supporters GET A CLUE!
jacqi
(logged in user) June 21, 2009, 1:09am (report abuse)I support H.R.61. Non violent federal offenders who have reached and/or passed age 45, definitely deserve a chance to live outside of concertina wire once more! In 2/2007, a very close personal friend was given an 18 yr. federal sentence for growing marijuana. He recently turned 62 in prison. Men who assault woman often just walk away, not serving any State and/or Federal time! By the way, our U.S. Constitution was written on hemp paper with pokeweed plant ink.
K.L.
July 9, 2009, 11:22am (report abuse)I think this bill should be passed
my 5 children need to get to know their dad,& so does his grandchildren.There are so many people who do worse crimes & get a slap on the wrist[state prisons].Please pass this bill!
I support this bill but...
July 21, 2009, 10:17am (report abuse)...white collar crime can and does destroys people's lives. Just because it is non-violent does not mean it does not have victims. And first time offenders can really mean first time caught. Let's not diminish the crime, but let's give people a second chance.
Scott Lane
July 21, 2009, 8:26pm (report abuse)I believe the judicial system was put into effect, many years ago, with the misunderstanding that we would not have a billion and one rules and laws (in the land of the free) that would lock up normal American Citizens that made mistakes(Some of which are Veterans that gave their life to fight for OUR country) and throw away the key - especially when they pose no threat to society. The system needs to be refined by many ammendments based on common sense and I truly believe that this would be an Excellent First Step! We would be safer if we stopped letting drug dealers and murderers out of prison after 7-12 years and kept the accountant who made a mistake locked up for 35!!!
bernetta lewis
July 24, 2009, 2:50pm (report abuse)i support this bill very much.i really hope and pray this it gets passed because i have a husband in their that is needed out here to support his family,and we all miss him very dearly.
Mama Red
July 27, 2009, 8:33pm (report abuse)I pray an support this bill. My only son is locked up an is greatly missed by his baby girl and family.So I pray that we(all of the comments writers) will have FAVOR with God, continue to pray that this door will be open for this bill to pass in JESUS NAME!!!!
HOPE!
July 29, 2009, 8:43pm (report abuse)This bill should absolutely be passed and as soon as possible. People who meet these requirements are not threats to society. So instead of putting them in prison for an extended amount of time, put them back in the community so they can rebuild the ties they broke and turn their life around. And if they commit another crime, then they will not get another chance. Our government should focus more on punishing violent criminals!!!
Been There
July 30, 2009, 3:15pm (report abuse)Having been in prison, this must be passed, so many people got shafted and are in prison for the wrong reasons or got framed and are doing time they do not deserve! The Feds are criminals as well.
......
July 31, 2009, 1:52pm (report abuse)Someone posted this previously but it is worth another look.
Good bill should be passed immediately but then what? If your loved one is a federal felon good luck getting a new start. Check out HR1529 the “Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009” It badly needs your support. Do so by going to the two following sites and sign the petition.
http://www.wedeserveourlivesback.com/
http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/a_second_chance_for_firs...
...
August 1, 2009, 3:43pm (report abuse)Keep them locked up, no second chances, and never, ever erase their records. Maybe then they will think before committing a crime. This country is far too lenient on criminals already.
Hope
August 5, 2009, 8:42am (report abuse)I support this bill, people should be second chance
To ...
August 6, 2009, 3:16pm (report abuse)This country is Harder on criminals than many others. China has double the population and half the prison rates. Do your research.
Visiting Rooms
August 6, 2009, 3:19pm (report abuse)When leaving the visiting room at a prison you do not see the crimes, you see the little girls crying and little boys wrapped tightly around their dads. And the tear stained faces of the mothers and grandmothers. FORGIVENESS.
L.A.B.D.
August 20, 2009, 11:48pm (report abuse)This bill needs to PASS .With the money spent on housing one federal inmate a year, just think of how many kids can get health care. Pass this bill.
George's Girl
August 21, 2009, 10:36pm (report abuse)The money wasted on locking up a non-violent offender is absurd. What about an ankle bracelet or house arrest. Some people make innocent mistakes and they lose everything they have because of it. Then they give up years of their lives, plus restitution. It's a sad situation in our country. Keep the rapists, murderers, child molesters and druggies in prison and let the non-violent offenders have a second chance. Pass this bill please!!!
cgriffi4
August 22, 2009, 3:57am (report abuse)crt you are an idiot some of the people locked up are users that the dealers got hooked,you need to do a little research before you judge you sound like a baptist to me.
Dan
August 24, 2009, 12:51pm (report abuse)My ex is currently in a federal prison for a white collar crime. She was in prison once before. She has caused our family 20 years of turmoil. She is serving 3 years. That's a small price to pay for all of the heartache she has caused. What would letting her out early teach her kids? Basically that you can do what you want and you won't get punished. It's ridiculous. She needs to stay in prison and hopefully learn that she doesn't want to go back! It's unfortunate that there are people in prison, but it's even more unfortunate that they committed a crime to get there! I haven't seen one post that talks about the poor victims of these crimes that need to pay for what these people have done. My kids are paying the price as well, but they are learning that crime doesn't pay. Do not pass this bill as it would send the wrong message to our children.
Dan
August 24, 2009, 11:49pm (report abuse)You need to be in there with her.
Bertram Maldonado
August 25, 2009, 3:45pm (report abuse)Non-violent offenders that have done more that half their sentence should be reviewed and let go with certain conditions. Espeacially imates that are doing time for conspiracy of drugs.
To Dan
August 26, 2009, 4:13pm (report abuse)Your ex wouldn't be eligible so she would have to stay-- DUH. FIRST TIME OFFENDERS.
Hey Dan
September 1, 2009, 10:49pm (report abuse)What if your children made a stupid mistake? Would you still feel the same? I am sorry for what has happened to your family, but other families are suffering from the loss of their loved one. This bill is for the GREATER GOOD not the good of individuals. Maybe you shouldn't have let her ruin your life for 20 years.
...
September 22, 2009, 3:23pm (report abuse)Maximum sentences for all. Don't let anyone out early. Make them serve the full sentence. Period.
lil mommi
September 25, 2009, 6:47pm (report abuse)i believe in my heart this should be past there are so many fatherless homes due to prison sentances my fiance is a great father but by time he comes home his kids will not rememebr him but in prison and this will leave me a single parent maybe on welfare the time taht they give non violent drug offenders is horrible and some with violent attempted murder charges get less time even child molesters get less time it needs to be changed
Change
September 30, 2009, 3:26pm (report abuse)I feel if this bill is not passed then our mandatory sentencing needs to be re-addressed. We can all agree there is a huge problem. We as supporters of this bill need to make sure we are active in our local legislation so we can make progressive changes. So the next time Election Polls open please show up so our voices will be heard.
Mary E. Bridges
October 20, 2009, 8:59pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill. I know a really good man in Federal Prison who was sentenced to 20 yrs. for selling pot. It was his first offense and he was not involved in any violent crime. He leads Bible study every day in prison. His dad died and he didn't even get to go to the funeral. His mom is now elderly and he hasn't seen her in five years. He deserves another chance. He has spent almost half of his life in prison for selling a drug that is now legal in some states. This shouldn't happen in our country.
feiberto flores
October 23, 2009, 11:15am (report abuse)This would be great for those offenders that are in there for crimes other then murder and rape. People deserve another chance and for those inmates that are serving many years for non violent crime not only is it cruel but even there family is doing time with them
ADMA
November 3, 2009, 7:53am (report abuse)HOW TO SIGN A ONE PETITION ONLINE FOR THIS BILL?
adma
November 3, 2009, 8:08am (report abuse)This bill should absolutely be passed and as soon as possible.
anyone knows of signing a support of this bill online? I appreciate any help on this, we need to work on this all of us so they can pass it as soon as possible.
Child
November 4, 2009, 8:37pm (report abuse)I would sign that petition!!!
Aimee
November 10, 2009, 10:28pm (report abuse)Wow!! I am pretty sure there is a time and a place to throw out personal insults and racial slurs, but I'm not real sure that this is that place. The fact of the matter is that every one here is posting a comment based upon personal experience in some aspect.I mean I look at an addict, for example when I think about this act. In what way, shape or form does an addict affect you? The problem is that the sentencing guidelines are too strict, the mandatory minimums are obscene. Every one should be interpreted on a one-by-one basis. If Joe is out on the street corner by the local high school selling crack, is that the same as Bill being addicted to prescription pain killers and buying them from his buddy just to feed his addiction. I think not. Should they be punished equally, probably not. But in the federal judicial system, circumstances mean nothing which is why there has to be some kind of relief to certain individuals.
The Corky
November 27, 2009, 8:51am (report abuse)If Joe is out on the street corner by the local high school selling crack, is that the same as Bill being addicted to prescription pain killers and buying them from his buddy just to feed his addiction. YES. Should they be punished equally, CERTAINLY. In the federal judicial system circumstances should mean nothing, which is the way it should be.
R B
November 28, 2009, 12:01am (report abuse)For anyone out there that dosn't think this bill should pass you are idiots, and just haven't got cought for a grey area that you may be in.Conspiricy is a non constitutional charge.If I told you that I was so broke I should robb a bank,and you didn't take me serious,and thought I was jokeing, but I did it. If I got caught and tell that I told you I was going to do it, you now have a conspiricy charge. You will also serve as much as 5 yrs.It dosn't cost as much as the feds claim to house a inmate. Bop makes money off head counts,and if anything is confescated it dosen't go toward restitution if there is any, the feds get that to.There is a women in a fed camp for 15yrs because she sighned for a ups package on her lunch break for a family member temporarely liveing at her home.That afternoon when she came home the law was there.she didnt know the package was drugs and she dont even mess with drugs.She had no clue. Pass this bill
The Corky
December 1, 2009, 2:01pm (report abuse)Oh Boo Hoo. All the "innocents" locked up. Bull$hit! If you are involved in any way you go to jail and you stay there. Done deal.