Graham wants limits on charging youths as adults
Gwen Graham released a criminal justice reform plan last week that includes calls for sentencing and juvenile-justice reforms.
In the nine-point plan, the former U.S. representative from Tallahassee and Democratic gubernatorial candidate said she wants reduced sentences for nonviolent drug possession, decriminalized personal marijuana possession, reviews of mandatory minimum sentences and to allow judges to deviate from them.
She also wants to require state attorneys to conduct a review process before juveniles are charged as adults, including limiting such cases to juveniles with past felony convictions or charges.
“For too long, the politicians in Tallahassee have ignored the inequity and pervasive prejudice in Florida’s criminal justice system,” Graham said in a statement. “While they’ve failed to act, Floridians have been hurt by mass incarceration, increasing costs and devastating cuts.”
She added, “We face a crisis today and can not afford to continue with the status quo. As governor, I will fight for impactful progressive policies that can pass the legislature with bipartisan support.”
The plan calls for state attorneys to get approval from a panel of attorneys within their offices before seeking the death penalty and a full review of prison operations and procedures, as well as increasing correction and probation officer pay and phasing out private prisons.
Graham also wants voting rights returned to former felons, which could happen if an amendment on the ballot this year is approved by 60 percent of voters, and to eliminate monetary bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent offenders.
Her plan was endorsed by officials and advocates, including state Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, former Leon County Public Defender Nancy Daniels and former Attorney General Bob Butterworth.
“For too long our state has turned a blind eye to the pervasive prejudice and bias in our criminal justice system,” Rouson said in a statement. “No one’s life should be ruined for using drugs or the mistakes they make as a child.” Butterworth agreed. “For too long, Florida has put more emphasis on putting people in prison than on what happens once they are behind bars or when they return to our communities,” he said. “Gwen Graham’s plan will make our state safer by reducing recidivism and helping returning citizens as they transition back into our communities.”
The campaign of Winter Park businessman Chris King, who released his own criminal justice reform plan last month, called Graham’s plan “half-hearted.” King called for ending the death penalty and legalizing marijuana.
slemongello@orlandosentinel.com