First-time, non-violent criminals do not belong in prison.

[Irreligious Atheist]

In my opinion, prisons exist to protect Society (which includes criminals themselves) from those who would commit physical harm against persons or property and from chronic, repeat non-violent offenders who could simply be an excessive burden on the police, courts, insurance companies, etc

It is neither just nor cost-effective to punish non-violent offenders with jail time.  Society can instead give them fines, list them on registries, make them do community service, monitor their movements, etc.

With the federal debt soaring to new heights, does the mass incarceration in the United States even make sense?

My truck was stolen during the mid-1980's. Not content to merely damage the vehicle by crashing into guardrails and other roadside objects during their high-speed escape, the two individuals involved later vandalized it by jumping on the cab, caving it in, stealing an expensive radio/tape deck that I had recently installed, breaking all the windows, and finally smashing the dashboard to smithereens with a pipe or crowbar. The damages totaled about $4,500. They pleaded guilty in court and used the "first offense" defense. They were each sentenced to a weekend in jail, $2,000 fine, restitution to my insurance company, and restitution to me for all expenses not covered by my insurance. I can still remember the grins on their faces and the way they slapped each other on the back as they left the courtroom. One of them never bothered paying any money and the other failed to reimburse my insurance company. They went on to commit other crimes, having learned they could get away with them.

Do you consider these clowns non-violent criminals who didn't deserve prison sentences?

Maybe they were smiling and slapping each other on the back because they were happy they were going to be free after a weekend in jail, rather than they were personally rubbing it into your face or something. Anyone would be happy and backslapping after getting a light sentence. No? I would not argue that sentencing in the United States needs to be more strict. These criminals, if adults, got a permanent record, which is punishment in itself in how it can impact your ability to work many places. If they were youths or young teens and this was their first time stealing a car I can understand the sentencing, but after getting caught with another stolen car after that they might want to put them in a detention center for a short time at least. Really though, prison is where you send people so they can become better criminals, so the leniency for first time offenders makes sense.

[Jehanne]

I have worked in corporate America for over 20 years. Any criminal record is practically a corporate "death sentence", an almost DOA job application.

I also hold a DoD Secret clearance; during my examination, went through the ringer over a past debt management program, but after an extended delay, I got my clearance.

[Gwaithmir]

Do you consider these clowns non-violent criminals who didn't deserve prison sentences?

Did you sue them in civil court?

You are evading the question.

[Jehanne]

Did you sue them in civil court?

You are evading the question.

Okay. If this was their first offense, then, no, they should get probation.

Now, if you sued them, a judgment would be easy. You could then take that judgment and send it to the Three major credit bureaus, ruining their credit. They would not be able to buy a house, rent an apartment or finance a car!! Just to name a few...

[Gwaithmir]

You are evading the question.

Okay.  If this was their first offense, then, no, they should get probation.

Now, if you sued them, a judgment would be easy.  You could then take that judgment and send it to the Three major credit bureaus, ruining their credit.  They would not be able to buy a house, rent an apartment or finance a car!!  Just to name a few...

They were sued by my insurance company──three times. In each case, they promised to pay, then reneged on their promises. They repeatedly asked for continuances over a three-year period, which were granted, until the insurance company gave up. It was difficult to sue them further as they were frequently in court for other crimes. Obviously, they were not overly concerned about bad credit ratings.

[Fireball]

Okay.  If this was their first offense, then, no, they should get probation.

Now, if you sued them, a judgment would be easy.  You could then take that judgment and send it to the Three major credit bureaus, ruining their credit.  They would not be able to buy a house, rent an apartment or finance a car!!  Just to name a few...

They were sued by my insurance company──three times. In each case, they promised to pay, then reneged on their promises. They repeatedly asked for continuances over a three-year period, which were granted, until the insurance company gave up. It was difficult to sue them further as they were frequently in court for other crimes. Obviously, they were not overly concerned about bad credit ratings.

They'll eventually end up pillow biters (more's the pity, nobody deserves that), but at least they'll get 3 hots and a cot. Won't need to buy a house.