THE EDITOR: Sir,
I BELIEVE that the sentences handed down by judges, as it relates to fine or imprisonment of persons found guilty of crime, are among the contributing factors to our crime problem. Simply put, the sentence or a fine does not add up or equate to the alternative of imprisonment (amounting to a slap on the wrist). Therefore, it is not a deterrent.
The recent sentence of a million dollars fine or one year in jail which a judge imposed on an offender who pleaded guilty to money laundering is one such example. It just does not make sense to me and is a big joke. Most convicts would opt for the year in jail, knowing his sentence would be reduced for good behaviour behind bars and whenever he completes serving his sentence he will still have a million dollars.
A more appropriate sentence would be six years or a million-dollar fine. You will see the convicted choose to pay the million-dollar fine; a much better option than spending six years in jail.
Our lawmakers should put into law stiffer sentences that will not only punish the convicted but deter potential offenders. Again, they will not do this without pressure from law enforcement and the public, knowing quite well that some might be affected by the very sentence they put into law.
I am, etc.,
AUTHNEIL REID
authnelreid@aol.com
Middlesex, NJ
Via Go-Jamaica
