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Originally Posted by Cynthetiq
I don't find it has anything to do with that.
I believe that jail time is not a deterrent to some criminals, criminal records are not a deterrent. And maybe for some the idea of becoming disenfranchised and losing a few of key civil rights like the right to bear arms and the ability to vote. People don't care about it thinking that it doesn't matter anyways, they'll still carry a gun, but when they actually attempt to participate within the system, they can be and will be denied.
Any statesman will not be so willing to help someone who isn't a voter as there is no reciprocity, just benevolence.
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An eighteen-year-old first-time offender who trades a guilty plea for a nonprison sentence may unwittingly sacrifice forever his right to vote.
Andrew Shapiro, attorney
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LOSING THE VOTE
that may be true, but so what, the person didn't go to jail. He got what he wanted, he didn't want to go to jail. There's no free lunches here in this world and that's what people seem to want. To get over or get something for nothing.
Understand that when there is due proces there is alot weighed here. Judges don't go callously into the night just incarcerating people without letting them know of the ramifications of pleading guilty. Pleading guilty removes another right to speedy trial. You waive that right by pleading guilty because they don't care how long until they follow due process. |
The conservative position seems pretty clear to me......do the crime, not only should you do the time...you should be penalized for life. No second chances at a right of citizenship if you screw up once.
I guess the compassionate part comes in with the argument that they can move to another state.
BTW, nice cherry picking of ONE quote (probably the least relevant since most convicted felons - even the innocent ones - dont volunarily trade a guilty plea for the right to vote) from the Sentencing Project document.
