Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Legal Blog
Does Rehabilitation Really Work? Data Shows That It Just Might
Financial woes in the state of Washington are leading to the early release of inmates from prisons. According to a story appearing in The Seattle Times, certain inmates that commit to participating in rehabilitation programs while imprisoned are being granted reductions in their sentencing, sometimes by nearly as much as 50%. Participation in other programs, such as job training, and general good behavior are also being cited as reasons why the prison population across the country is decreasing.
While victims’ advocate groups and law enforcement are certainly opposed to the proposed cost-cutting method, correctional facilities point out that inmates whom have completed rehabilitation programs are better candidates for release (even if it is early) than those incarcerated individuals that have served their entire sentences yet never sought or completed such treatment. According to a study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, those offenders that are released early from prison are much less likely to commit future crimes upon release than those individuals that serve their entire sentences, treatment programs attended or not. Ultimately, opponents of the plan reason that completion of rehabilitation and job training programs is no indication that a released inmate is going to turn his or her life around and that such programs are only being completed in order to secure earlier releases from prison.
While the debate rages on, and more and more inmates are released early, it is important to remember that while rehabilitation is not full proof in correcting unsavory behavior and tendencies to commit crime on the part of ex-inmates, those individuals that do complete such programs should be afforded every opportunity at proving they are truly reformed. If a crime in Washington is committed by an individual that has recently been released, then it is in that individual’s best interest to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney in Seattle that will see to it that their rights are upheld in a court of law.
If you stand accused of a crime, please do not hesitate to contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC. Our skilled lawyers will examine the details surrounding your arrest, and will build the strongest possible defense on your behalf given the circumstances of your case. For a free consultation, call NcNeese & Trotsky, PLLC today at 888-282-6977.
