Benefits for First Time Offenders

Benefits for First Time Offenders

Mandatory sentencing that has existed in this country since the 1970s has brought more damage than benefits. The population of the inmate has increased intensively, propelling prison cost to bankrupt stages, while less impact on the crime being reported. First-time offenders who might have needed a second chance are right off and introduced into a life that forces them back to crime. The development of programs that prevent incarceration of first-time offenders could be helpful in rehabilitation and to avoid repeat crime, while at the same time reduce over-crowding in prison (LaMance, 2019). Such programs could be focused on providing an enabling environment for first-time offenders to be able to learn, improve, and grow in a way that makes them useful members of the public (LaMance, 2019). New Jersey lawmakers should propose legislative acts in favor of first-time offenders because it will decrease the rate of recidivism, allow offenders to further their education, and stop first time offenders from being discriminated against.

The development of programs that prevent incarceration of first-time offenders reduces recidivism, especially among young first-time offenders. These programs provide a chance for the offender to live a productive life. According to Fine et al. (2017), there is an increased number of young first-time offenders compared to older ones — additionally, the level of recidivism drop as the age increases (Tegeng and Abadi, 2018). Therefore young individuals are more likely to repeat a crime with a rate of 35.5% of recidivism reported in individuals under the age of 21 compared to 9.5% rate in people over 50 years (Tegeng and Abadi, 2018). In order to reduce this tremendous rate of recidivism among youths, it is advisable to develop a program that ensures the first time offenders aren’t repeating the same crime. These programs and legislative policies can rehabilitate first-time offenders to allow them to be productive in society rather than causing harm, and according to Paulson (2013), introducing programs that would enable rehabilitation before incarceration has been found to reduce the rate of recidivism by 20-30%. Such beneficial programs include those that favor first-time offenders and prevent incarceration while encouraging reintegration. With proper execution, such programs can improve the lives of the offender compared to it as even before the crime, which will help in alleviating the level of crime in New Jersey.

One of the significant reasons that promote recidivism by first-time offenders is the lack of proper education. A study conducted by Tegeng and Abadi (2016) on reasons that led to recidivism, they found that 28% of the respondents were illiterate, the study concluded that education plays a significant role in preventing recidivism. Another study indicated that training reduced the rate of crime for offenders (Mohammed & Mohammed, 2015). When offenders had an education, it was more comfortable for them to stay focused on improving their lives and get employment. Providing first-time offenders with a chance to access education can, therefore, improve their lives (Scott, 2016). It is also essential that first-time offenders are not incarcerated, as studies have indicated that even with education, ex-convicts usually have a hard time getting employment (Scott, 2016). It, therefore, means that the best way to improve the lives of first-time offenders would be to prevent jail time, focus on rehabilitation, and to come up with policies that will provide them with a better chance in a more fulfilling life. With education and a clean record, a first-time offender will have a real second chance in life to be able to ultimately get employment, which has been found to reduce crime significantly.

Discrimination of first-time offenders has been one of the reasons why these offenders fall into the trap of crime and drug abuse due to frustration. Mandatory sentencing means that even first-time offenders get jail time also though they have never been in contact with the criminal justice system. According to Elizabeth Westrope (2018), there is a considerable rate of discrimination based on having a criminal history to the point that it can become practically impossible for some offenders ever to live a life of no crime. Having policies that prevent rehabilitation is not helping society to be better but only makes it worse. With the lack of anti-discrimination statute that prevents offenders from being discriminated against, the condition for first-time offenders are only made worse should they get jail time. Therefore it is imperative for there to be laws and policies that provide first-time offenders the chance to escape discrimination, which may trigger recidivism and psychological stress, which may lead to drug abuse and other poor life choices.

In general, mandatory sentencing laws and policies that have been around since the mass incarceration era in the 70s needs to be adjusted to provide a fairground for first time offender to change and have a better chance in life. The introduction of legislative changes that will provide for benefits to first-time offenders can give an opportunity for New Jersey to reduce the rate of recidivism. Additionally, there can be a better chance for first-time offenders to get an education and improve their lives, as well as avoid discrimination.