A true story

[CyberB0b]

He would have been greeted by Mr. Mossberg at my house.

 

[dogunwo]

You're situation is the "million-dollar" question facing law enforcement and the court system today– how to handle non-violent drug offenders.

At one point in my life I would have said throw the book at 'em.

But today I would like a 3rd option between jail & scot-free... mandatory drug rehab in a semi-secure environment for 6 months.

I agree. I wish it were easier for first time non violent drug offenders to have it stricken completely from their record. Expungement doesn't seem to work, and if they don't have a full second chance in life, often times that leads to repeat offenders.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I agree. I wish it were easier for first time non violent drug offenders to have it stricken completely from their record. Expungement doesn't seem to work, and if they don't have a full second chance in life, often times that leads to repeat offenders.

Seems to me dumping these non-violent drug offenders in with a bunch of violent offenders seems like a recipe for disaster.

They (IMO) need to be separated in a totally different environment where the main focus is rehab and not punishment.

And I'm not naive I realize many of these folks well need to go through this process several times before they can stay clean permanently. In conjunction offer them a chance to get an eduction and maybe even provide vocational training so they have some sort of skill that can translate into way to earn a living.

 

[dogunwo]

even provide vocational training so they have some sort of skill that can translate into way to earn a living.

That's the key. My brother in-law told me he was a repeat offender because it was impossible for him to get a job outside of under-the-table landscaping work.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

That's the key. My brother in-law told me he was a repeat offender because it was impossible for him to get a job outside of under-the-table landscaping work.

I talk to a lot of business folks and there is a crying need for more skilled "blue-collar" labor out... HVAC folks... plumbers... autorepair... even factory work.

You just can't try getting them permanently "clean". They need education (if they don't have one) and they need a skill that will earn them a living. Locate these facilities in an area where there are vocational schools.

Give these folks a chance to have a good life.

 

[Bill Wooten]

@MichaelWinicki and @dogunwo I get what you guys are talking about and not arguing those points. But someone that breaks into someone else's house doesn't fit the "non-violent" offender in my eyes. I get they didn't attack anyone, so the typical use of violence doesn't apply. I guess when I hear the "non-violent offender" term, I associate it with the "they are only hurting themselves" argument. When you break into someone else's house, it has crossed a line in my eyes. This isn't just a possession or distribution charge. They have involved someone outside the drug trade and it should be considered more serious.

Again, not saying they tried to kill someone (other than themselves) or inflict physical harm on someone, but breaking into someone's home is much different than getting caught with a dimebag. Totally agree that throwing them in jail isn't going to fix them.

 

[Longboysfan]

How did he get into the house?

 

[skinsscalper]

Man, I almost hate to admit this but, I would have shot him. He's lucky that he robbed the house of someone that kept a cooler head but he may not be so lucky next time. Too many crazy people in the world to take chances in my eyes. In the heat of the moment, I would have taken the safest choice for my family and that would be to eliminate ANY threat this kid would present by taking him out. The security of my home and family are two things that I take no chances with. You're a cooler head than I, Gimme.