New Drug Possession Law Prompts Release of Oklahomans from Prison
Oklahoma’s recent criminal sentencing reforms have prompted the release of twenty-one inmates from prison. The governor commuted their sentences, allowing them to leave prison and move on with their lives.
What Is Sentence Commutation?
The Oklahoma governor has the ability to commute prison sentences, meaning lessen the severity of the sentences. For example, a death sentence could be commuted to life in prison. In this case, the governor ended the sentences without the need for the inmates to serve any more time. The inmates whose sentences were commuted had their cases reviewed in a two-step process conducted by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Then the cases went to the governor’s desk for final approval.
Why Did the Governor Commute the Sentences?
Recently, the laws in Oklahoma surrounding criminal sentencing for minor crimes have changed significantly (for example, with the passing of State Question 780). The judges used to have to sentence people to lengthy mandatory prison time. Now, the sentences are shorter or not required. As a result, some people who are currently in prison have already served the current required sentence length, but under the old laws they have many years to go.
Several organizations raised a campaign to have some Oklahoma prisoners’ sentences commuted because they already served their time under the new laws. Since the new laws are not retroactive, the prisoners would need approval of the governor to leave jail. Twenty-one recently received that approval and were released from prison.
Have the New Laws Caused Any Other Effects So Far?
The new laws, such as State Question 780, have had other positive effects since they took effect. For example, a third-party organization found that “the number of felony cases filed across the state dropped by 26 percent in the second half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.” Since State Question 780 reclassifies simple drug possession as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, this change makes sense.
If you need representation in an Oklahoma court for a drug possession charge, seek out an attorney who knows the law. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor, is now helping Oklahomans with their criminal cases. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.