Great article by Bob Mann. In my opinion, this goes a lot deeper. The system, especially for the indigent, is flawed, with public defenders often leading clients to accept guilty pleas in return for probation. Many claim innocence, but take the plea for one reason or another, accepting the scarlet letter of F for felon. In pleading guilty, they give up many rights -- the right to vote and the right to privacy (search laws do not apply to probationers, so searches can be conducted at any time without cause and without a warrant). Along with those repercussions, felons find it more difficult to find employment and to find (or remain in) housing. Court costs, probation fees, and other fines create a hardship for most, who work minimum wage jobs, when they can find work. Then, there is the great possibility of probationers serving prison/jail time, anyway, for probation violations. While the majority of those who are on probation supervision deserve to be, there are certainly some who dont.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 00:21:43 +0000
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