New Directions in ProsecutionJ. Scott JohnstonAssistant District Attorney

Federal Drug Prosecutions

January 2014

Number Latest Month 1,487

Percent Change from previous month -7.8

Percent Change from 1 year ago -11.5

Percent Change from 5 years ago (inc Mag. Ct) -9.3

Percent Change from 5 years ago (exc. Mag. Ct) -22.6

The monthly count of federal prosecutions for narcotics/drugs offenses has reached its lowest level since May 2000

The number observed during the most recent six month period appears to be the lowest seen since the end of the Reagan Administration.

Georgia

1 in 13 Georgia Citizens in prison or on Probation or Parole (more than 2x National Avg)

1 in 70 Georgia Citizens in prison

$1 Billion Corrections Budget (5x 1985 budget)

Georgia

Georgia Population 9.5 Million

New York State Population 19.5 million

Both States have the same number of incarcerated Citizens

Georgia

Today 30% of inmates are ineligible for parole, that is up from 2% in 1989

The average stay in prison for drug possession is 21 months, that’s up from 10 months in 1990

Sentences

First OffenderUpon successful completion a first offender discharge is recorded

Does not act as a conviction

Conditional Discharge1st drug offense or property crime related to drug use

Upon successful completion the case is dismissed

New Directions RSAT

Day Reporting Center

Drug Court

Community Involvement

RSAT

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

Probation Sentence

9 months in patient treatment at a detention center

6 months aftercare

Drug treatment and mental health counseling

Day Reporting Center

Probation Sentence

5 Weeks Report every day

2 days a week after that

Must have gainful employment in phase 2

Drug treatment and mental health counseling

Drug Court

Post conviction/Pre Sentencing

Out patient drug treatment

Must be gainfully employed or in school

Case is dismissed upon successful completion

Community Involvement

Bill Nettles: U.S. Attorney in South Carolina

Intervention model for low level drug dealers