Sentencing and corrections policies should embody fairness, consistency, proportionality and opportunity. Sentences need to be commensurated according to the harm caused; ergo, measuring the effects on the victim, the community, and the rehabilitative needs of the offender. Objectives require balance in selecting correctional options that meet individual offender needs to contribute to crime reduction and prevent recidivism. Policies that affect long-term consequences of criminal convictions, including housing and employment opportunities require careful examination. Additionally sentencing and corrections policies that could adversely or disproportionately affect citizens based on race, income, gender or geography need to be taken into consideration. Despite the ambivalence among Missouri judges over the acceptance and sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimum sentences are to be applied (Aruguete & Robinson, 2004).
In examining and dissecting Thomas User’s PSI, it is evident that he has failed to manage his substance addiction.
• Thomas User was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and Ecstasy. The police report indicates that a police cruiser stopped Thomas User
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It is possible that User may have experienced abuse when residing at home and this is particularly prevalent with children who have low IQ’s. Often these children are ignored which causes the same chemical reaction in the brain as experiencing a physical injury. Additionally, it is apparent that Thomas User is living a Gay or Bisexual lifestyle which possibly presented issues when living at home with the probability of User being a throw away child. With the details from the assessment this student/advocate is choosing to classify this offense as a Class C