Trajectory of Drug Offenders in the US

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the trajectory of drug offenders in the US. There are different estimations for the number of people incarcerated in US as a drug offender from 1985-2010. According to the research, almost 480,000 people have been incarcerated for different drug offenses. The "drug courts" special, which provide an alternative to incarceration for addicted offenders and drug-related crimes that impact the first time or who commit minor offenses, have spread quickly through the U.S. judicial system. But it's time to ask: do these courts produce greater harm than benefit to society?

Twenty years ago, prisons and courts of southern Florida were filled with suspicion of minor drug offenses, mainly users who sell small quantities of cocaine to feed their own habits. Through toxicological tests, revealed that 73% of detainees tested positive for drugs, primarily cocaine and marijuana. Southern Florida was the world capital of cocaine, and people of Hispanic origin were arrested in greater numbers than any other group.

Discussion

The prisons are filled while the majority of people arrested for drug offenses were released while awaiting trial, many returned to the streets to be arrested again. In many cases, through agreements with the prosecutors, the defendants faced lengthy prison sentences. However, many violent criminals were also released because the jails were filled with nonviolent offenders serving mandatory sentences.

In 1989, the state prosecutor in Miami-Dade County, Janet Reno established a new-then-plan called "drug courts." In which those accused of minor drug offenses were sent to treatment programs rather than prison. Today there are 2.100 "problem solving" in courts throughout the country, dealing with drug charges, drunken driving and domestic violence offenders.

Average Life Path(S) Of Individuals Who Are Arrested For Drug Offenses

Researches show that the average life path of individuals arrested for drug offenders is not much. It is declining day by day. However, state courts and the prisons are full of people accused of using or street drugs. Report of the FBI's Organized Crime 2008 recorded 1.7 million drug arrests is representing an arrest every 18 seconds.

There is no specific model for the "drug courts." Some work well, others less so.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers conducted a two-year study, and raises a number of recommendations. Some of the case as: Ensure that the defendants did not waive legal representation or to go into rehab. Others are more radical: Explore the decriminalization of drugs.

A big problem is that it requires the accused to plead guilty in order to enter treatment programs. Even if an addict achieves lasting sobriety and are unlikely to commit a crime again, the consequences of a criminal conviction may be permanent and devastating.

A drug conviction is a crime that can start deportation proceedings even for legal aliens. And although ICE is the policy of investing its resources to deport offenders of minor crimes, a simple acceptance of possession of marijuana may prevent the re-entry. Some residents find it only ...