A proposed bill, pre-filed for the forthcoming session of the Washington State Legislature, could grant judges the authority to independently reduce sentences for violent criminals, irrespective of whether the case details have altered over time.
Democratic Representative Tarra Simmons, a former felon and advocate for the restoration of voting rights to convicted felons, is one of the bill's sponsors. Simmons, who has also campaigned for the reduction of penalties for drive-by shootings in an effort to advance "racial equity," co-founded and directs the Civil Survival Project, a group that champions the rights of ex-convicts.
The proposed legislation, known as the "Judicial Discretion Act," would empower judges to adjust "sentences in the interests of justice." This comes at a time when Washington is witnessing record crime and homicide rates, partially attributed to a "revolving door" justice system that frequently releases repeat offenders.
The bill argues that "long-term incarceration disproportionately impacts poor communities and communities of color." It cites extensive research indicating that lengthy sentences can escalate, rather than diminish, recidivism. The bill further suggests that the prospect of sentence reduction could incentivize inmates to exhibit good behavior and participate in rehabilitation programs.
The legislation also highlights the financial burden of long-term incarceration, asserting that allowing judges to modify lengthy sentences in the interests of justice could result in significant cost savings for the state. It states, "The legislature intends to authorize sentencing courts to review lengthy sentences upon a showing that a person's original sentence no longer serves the interests of justice."
Under the proposed law, a judge could alter a criminal's "...original sentence if the court finds that the sentence no longer advances the interests of justice, provided that any new sentence imposed shall not be greater than the original sentence." The court would also be prohibited from allowing any individual to renounce the right to petition for a sentence reduction.
The bill posits that the "savings" accrued from not incarcerating these individuals would cover "...the costs associated with petitions and proceedings." The only recourse available to a victim or their family would be to "...present a statement personally or by representation at the hearing."
Login