Concerns rise as drug penalties drop
“It is the intention of the General Assembly to classify most drug possession on and after March 1, 2020, as a misdemeanor offense with different sentencing options and limited incarceration penalties,” reads the bill, which Rep. Leslie Herod, a Democrat, and Rep. Shane Sandridge, a Republican introduced. The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Vicki Marble and Pete Lee."
“The purpose of this sentencing scheme is to provide offenders who are assessed to be in need of treatment or other intervention with probation supervision in conjunction with effective medical and behavioral health treatment. For those who are not in need of treatment, sentencing by the court system should be limited."
“This sentencing scheme recognizes that drug use and possession is primarily a health concern and should be treated as such by Colorado courts.”
#LeslieHerod #criminaljusticereform #pettyoffenses #prisonpopulation #drugpossession
