Tim Powers

Law Office of Tim Powers

940.580.2899

www.timpowers.com

Studies have shown that there is a disproportionate amount of black men in prison because of drug charges.

The State of Texas was ranked #1 in the Huffington Post article for reform in drug sentencing.

Here's what the article says:

"In Texas, a projection showed that the number of inmates would outnumber the number of available inmate beds by about 17,000 in 2007. Having decided to forgo building new facilities, the state instead sent nonviolent offenders to community-based mental health and addiction treatment programs. The state also boosted the number of re-entry programs offered to released prisoners, in hopes of decreasing recidivism rates.

As a result, taxpayers saved millions of dollars, while the state closed its second oldest prison Sugarland in 2011, making it the first prison to be closed in Texas history. During this time, the outstanding crime rate in Texas also dropped to its lowest point in decades.

Prior to this renovation, Texas demonstrated a radical move in 2003 when Governor Rick Perry signed into law a bill that mandated probation and drug treatment for first-time, low-level drug offenders in place of jail. Perry also pardoned 35 African-Americans unfairly convicted of drug offenses in the landmark Tulia case that same year. This highly publicized case spurred several reforms to the state's criminal system, including legally prohibiting racial profiling by police officers."

South Carolina was second, followed by New Jersey, Ohio, and then Kentucky. For more information on drug sentencing reform in the U.S. check out this article in the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/27/drug-sentencing-laws-state-reform_n_1834737.html

If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today. There is no charge or obligation for the initial consultation. 940.580.2899.

*Tim Powers is an attorney licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. For legal advice about any specific legal question you should directly consult an attorney.