Lately I have seen several different news stories from across the country about people who have committed numerous, very serious crimes. They receive jail sentences, sometimes very short ones, or are released early and placed on probation due to good behavior.

A shorter sentence for an individual’s first crime is understandable. But when the offender soon commits a second serious crime, it is time for the judge to wake up and see that the first jail term did not succeed at rehabilitation. The offender has not changed his/her way of thinking or behaving at all and seems to feel entitled to committing crimes.

Another short jail sentence clearly won’t solve anything. Long jail sentences will.

The general public needs to be protected. People need to be dissuaded from committing crimes with the realization that if they are caught and sentenced, misery in prison for a long period of time is a very definite possibility. So better to think twice.

But sometimes people are rehabilitated. If that can be demonstrated by behavior and a new way of thinking, verified by a skilled therapist, then providing the reward of early release and parole makes sense.

Changing the subject somewhat: I am acquainted with someone who has committed and has been convicted of two minor crimes relating to property. He injured no one and he did not put others in danger. His jail sentences were short.

After leaving jail for the second crime, this person was diagnosed as schizophrenic. He has never received medication or therapy for help. The nature of the crime-related behavior seems to relate to schizophrenia.

He is charged with committing a third similar crime. The alleged occurrence happened before the diagnosis of schizophrenia was made (and if you are familiar with schizophrenia you could tell that his way of thinking and behavior fit this condition). He is quite frightened that he won’t change his behavior even though he has a strong desire to “get back on his feet” and become self-sufficient.

His prescription was just made available this week and his first therapy session won’t be for another ten days. He is living at a homeless shelter.

In his case, hopefully, the trial and sentencing, if any, will be delayed until the therapist can determine the efficacy of the drugs and likelihood of success with therapy. But the public defender assigned to him has not yet mentioned using schizophrenia as a defense!!

Over the short time that I have been acquainted with this person, I can see nothing mean-spirited nor particularly self-centered about him. He is very grateful for help.

I believe that due to the minor nature of the alleged third crime, jail again won’t be in society’s interest. I pray that the right evidence will be presented and that any sentencing will be deferred until after adequate time of therapy and prescription use.

I will keep you posted.