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Convicted felons may avoid prison

Officials exploring ways to ease overcrowding in prisons, jails as state cuts back.

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By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 12:34 AM Sunday, November 29, 2009

LEBANON — Warren County will try a diversion program over the next two years that could help convicted felons avoid having a felony record in the future.

As the state plans to send some of its prison population back to local jurisdictions because of deep budget cuts, Warren County is implementing the program as a means to stop jail overcrowding.

Low-level felony offenders who agree to enter the program, which will help with drug and alcohol addiction, mental health or educational issues, can prevent themselves from receiving a felony record.

County commissioners agreed to accept a two-year, $500,000 grant from the state to pay for the program, but some questioned if the programs work.

“There is no teddy bear that we can buy or find or borrow that’s going to give anyone the incentive to get their act together,” said Commissioner Mike Kilburn.

However, Common Pleas Judge James Flannery said the programs do work, and with a crowded jail situation, the judges need some more tools in dealing with low-level offenders.

“... They don’t work with everybody but they do work, they change people’s lives and they do improve the recidivism rate,” he said.

The state invited 20 counties, including Warren, to apply for the money, according to Court Administrator Scott McVey. The money will come from the existing state prison budget.

Commissioner Dave Young said the new programs seem more like social services than criminal justice programs. With house arrest alternative sentencing, he said there is apparent punishment.

McVey said if the 115 people chosen for this program annually do not follow all the rules, they will be put on house arrest and if they fail again, they’ll go to prison.

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Concerned - DV is a 5th degree felony only if the offender has a prior conviction. 1st degree misdemeanor otherwise.

1096
11:29 AM, 11/30/2009

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Inco, if pot was legal the dealers wouldn't be dealing, the smugglers wouldn't be smuggling and we wouldn't be paying for the stoners in prison. Deal crack, death penalty, sell heroin, shot on the spot, but deal some weed? something that still grows wild in Indiana and go to jail for years? Society is no better off because of them being in jail. The cops would be able to target real problem drug dealers instead of these stupid stoners. Take away the profit, you lose the dealers.

Inco is a doofus
10:50 PM, 11/29/2009

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All felonies are serious crimes against humanity. Otherwise it would be a misdemeanor. Only bleeding hearts like “amazed” do not want to admit the facts. Only bleeding hearts like “amazed” claim that those with a grip should do some research. Only bleeding hearts like “amazed” claim the figures are skewed when Dayton is named #20 in crime stats “amazed” will be “amazed” when you become a victim of a career criminal released by mat heck.It is only a matter of time before you become a victim.

what color is your sky?
5:13 PM, 11/29/2009

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It is a catch 22 situation. As a Criminal Justice Student, this could be a good or bad situation. I am just wondering if Domestic Violence offenders is included in this plan. Domestic Violence in this state is considered a felony 5. Is anyone thinking about that? Sure many offenders are in the community trying to live a straight life, but getting rejected because of their criminal records. How does their court order restitution get paid? Here we go again!

Concerned
4:52 PM, 11/29/2009

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I remeber him too Great guy. we used to go to the old 1470 out in Kettering back in the day.

BigBigD
4:48 PM, 11/29/2009

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