Mistaken Parole Of Convicts Stirs Debate Over Meth Laws
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Some legislators are questioning whether
Arkansas` treatment of methamphetamine crimes is too harsh.
The Department of Correction mistakenly gave early release to 32
convicts recently. The sentences of the inmates revived a debate
over drug penalties that began in 1999 when legislators decided to
require methamphetamine manufacturers to serve a mandatory 70
percent of their sentences.
Representative Jan Judy of Fayetteville says the sentencing laws
have taken away the discretion of judges.
The state erroneously granted the 32 men early releases by
misreading inmate intake forms. Six remain on the loose.
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Judy sponsored legislation adopted in 2001 to restrict and
monitor sales of cold medicines with ephedrine and pseudoephedrine,
ingredients used in manufacturing meth.
Judy says she does not want dangerous people on the street but
says judges should not be forced to treat all defendants the same
way because each case is different.
