NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers says a task force that will recommend sentencing changes has not reached out to that group for input.
In a letter to the Governor’s Task Force on Sentencing and Recidivism, Nashville defense attorney David Raybin says the lawyers’ association believes the state task force is considering recommendations that will result in longer sentences and greater costs to taxpayers.
“The cost of the penitentiary is staggering. It now costs almost $900,000,000 with millions more in cost for local jails. The total taxpayers’ expense could shortly approach a billion dollars a year,” the letter states.
The letter suggests that correctional officer organizations, prisoner advocacy organizations and even former prisoners could aid the task force in formulating its recommendations.
The letter says the lawyers’ association understands the task force is recommending a criminal justice research council to provide data on things like sentencing, incarceration times and crime rates. Raybin’s letter says that doesn’t go far enough.