Nick H. Georgia

Criminal Justice and Sentencing

Jail time for most crimes is too short. We need tougher sentences to deter criminals from committing crimes.

Dear future President,

As a teenager and the next generation of voters, I would like to share a problem that I believe is very serious. The problem is that jail time is short for most crimes, and to make matters even worse, the USA is the most populated amount of people in jail country in the world.

First, I would like to discuss drinking and driving. People now are drinking either legally and or illegally, which is a problem by itself. When people drink, they usually get carried away or fall to peer pressure and get drunk.  When they are drunk, they do dumb stuff, like drive. If and when they get caught, it is only a year in jail or up to 3 years in jail. Raising this to 10 years in jail will most likely stop people from drinking and driving.

Now, we all know that thieves are nothing new to this world. When thieves are caught in the act, it is only a $100 fine and 2 days in jail. I think you should make them pay for whatever they stole: no matter the cost. What if they steal money? Well, you should make them pay the exact amount they stole in return to the store. You should make it at least a month up to 2 years in jail, depending on the cost of the item stolen.

With this one please pay close attention,

Manslaughter:

imprisonment up to 12.5 years in prison for a first offense

Second Degree Murder:

Not less than 10 years nor more than 29 years

First Degree Murder:

Death penalty, Natural life imprisonment, or Life imprisonment with parole in 25 years

Yes, I can see that the time is high, but not high enough. The first degree murder sentencing is fine because the sentencing reflects the crime. The the second degree murder sentence should be at least 15 years up to 35 years.

If you do really care about the safety about the citizens, then you will raise the jail time and the fine amount for the crimes committed.