Pubdate: Sun, 28 Dec 2008
Source: Reporter, The (PA)
Copyright: 2008 The Reporter
Contact:  http://www.thereporteronline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3468
Author: Carl Hessler Jr.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

DRUG ADDICTS GET A NEW TREATMENT OPTION

Under recently enacted legislation, nonviolent, drug-  or 
alcohol-addicted criminals can reduce their minimum  prison stays if 
they participate in prison treatment  programs.

The Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive program was  enacted Nov. 24, 
giving county judges a new sentencing  tool to help drug-addicted 
offenders kick the habits  that lead them to commit crimes.

Eric Herman, 23, a serial burglar whose heroin  addiction fueled his 
desire to invade numerous homes in  eastern Montgomery County, has 
become the first  criminal in the county to be sentenced under the new program.

Herman can reduce his minimum six-year state prison  sentence to five 
years if he successfully completes all  treatment recommendations.

The program, commonly referred to as "Triple R-I,"  allows eligible 
nonviolent offenders to receive  reductions of their minimum state 
prison sentences if  they successfully complete all required 
treatment and  maintain good-conduct records in prison.

Prisoners can be released upon completing the program  only if 
officials are satisfied that the offenders pose  no risks to public safety.

Under the program, an eligible offender who satisfies  all 
requirements can be paroled after serving  three-fourths of their 
minimum sentence for punishments  up to three years, and five-sixths 
of their minimum  sentence for sentences greater than three years.

For example, an offender sentenced to six to 15 years  in prison 
could be paroled after serving just five  years if that offender 
successfully completes all RRRI  requirements.

For an offender who is eligible for the incentive and  receives a 
two- to four-year sentence, the RRRI minimum  would be 18 months, 
according to the new legislation.

Under the state law, only those who commit less serious  crimes are 
eligible for the program.

Drug kingpins or those who have committed a personal  injury crime, a 
sex crime or a crime with a firearm are  not eligible, according to 
the new law.

Typically, the eligible offenders are those who are  addicted to 
drugs or alcohol, officials said. There  must also be evidence that 
the addictions are the prime  motivating factors that led the 
offenders to commit  crimes.

A judge determines if an offender is eligible for the  RRRI program 
at time of sentencing. Prosecutors have  the opportunity to argue 
against or in favor of  eligibility.

Once a judge determines an RRRI sentence is  appropriate, the judge 
will impose two minimum  sentences - one for the RRRI minimum and 
another  regular minimum sentence.

While in the state prison system, the eligible  offenders are 
evaluated for treatment needs and risks  and offered counseling and 
treatment programs  specifically geared toward their individual 
needs. The  treatment programs are designed to reduce the risk of 
recidivism, officials said.

If an offender satisfies all requirements of the  program that 
offender can be released early after the  Pennsylvania Board of 
Probation and Parole verifies  that there is an adequate parole plan 
developed to  assist the inmate in re-entering society.

If an offender does not meet the requirements that  offender will not 
be released at the RRRI minimum  sentence date and will be considered 
for parole on or  after the regular minimum sentence date.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom