NCJ Number
29608
Date Published
1975
Length
13 pages
Annotation
THIS DOCUMENT PRESENTS THE RESPONSE OF THE JOHN HOWARD ASSOCIATION TO PROBATION, DETERMINATE SENTENCING, AND PAROLE REVISIONS PROPOSED BY ILLINOIS GOVERNOR WALKER IN FEBRUARY 1975.
Abstract
THE ASSOCIATION ENDORSED THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION THAT PRE-SENTENCE INVESTIGATION REPORTS BE MANDATORY IN ALL FELONY CASES AND MISDEMEANOR CASES CARRYING A JAIL SENTENCE OF MORE THAN 90 DAYS. THEY FURTHER PROPOSED STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNOR'S PROBATION SERVICE PROPOSALS BY ESTABLISHING A STATEWIDE SYSTEM OF JUVENILE AND ADULT PROBATION SERVICES TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS. THE RECOMMENDATION TO ABOLISH INDETERMINATE PRISON SENTENCES IN FAVOR OF FIXED, FLAT-TIME PENALTIES IS EXAMINED, AS WELL AS MAJOR DEFECTS SUCH AS LONGER PRISON SENTENCES, LACK OF FACILITIES NEEDED TO HOUSE AN INCREASED POPULATION, AND PROHIBITIVE COST. THE PROPOSAL'S CONTENTION THAT PAROLE IS NOT EFFECTIVE AS A CRIME PREVENTION DEVICE, UPON WHICH THE GOVERNOR BASED HIS RECOMMENDATION TO ABOLISH PAROLE IN FAVOR OF GOOD-TIME CREDIT, IS REFUTED AND CONFORMITY WITH RELEVANT NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND GOALS (NAC) RECOMMENDATIONS IS ADVISED. APPENDIXES CONTAIN NAC STANDARDS DEALING WITH SENTENCING THE NON-DANGEROUS OFFENDER AND SENTENCING TO EXTENDED TERMS AS WELL AS PROVIDING STATISTICS ON PAROLED MALE OFFENDERS IN ILLINOIS FROM 1968 TO 1973.