Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Sentences, Bond Amounts and disparity in the Justice System

I am sure that I am not the only one that has noticed the disparity in the justice system in Illinois.

If one is charged with a crime in Morgan County, the odds of you receiving a low bond amount are nill; yet the same crime in Chicago, Rockford, or Peoria will only cost you a few hours until the bond can be posted.

If you are convicted in Sangamon County you will on average receive a sentence that is 50% longer than if you were convicted in Cook or Winnebago County.

I do not advocate the lowering of bond amounts or sentences, what I do advocate for is a justice system that is fair and uniform throughout the entire state, instead of this huge difference between the various counties and cities. Allowing a hang 'em high judge to unduly punish a person is no more acceptable than a french bread judge that is afraid of ruining some kid for life.

If the State of Illinois adopted a uniform sentencing and bonding plan, there would be far less dissatisfaction with the general public.

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