Convicted murderers, rapists could get early release in D.C.: report
The D.C. Council is considering legislation that would grant early release to hundreds of inmates, many of whom have been convicted of serious crimes including murder.
The D.C. Council is reportedly considering legislation that could grant early release to hundreds of inmates, many of whom have been convicted of serious crimes including murder and rape.
The Washington Post reports that Councilmember Charles Allen's proposal would reduce sentences for inmates who have served at least 15 years in prison after committing serious crimes as children.
The proposal would expand the number of inmates eligible for early-release, and apply to nearly 600 current prisoners. A D.C. Superior Judge would still need to sign off on reduced sentences case-by-case.
The Post reports 17 people have been released or had their sentences reduced since D.C. enacted its early-release law two years ago. All of them were released early over prosecutors’ objections.
The legislation was reportedly introduced in February and could come up for a council vote this fall. Allen told the paper that many of the inmates eligible for early release under his bill have been rehabilitated.
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A spokesman for Allen could not immediately be reached for comment.