THAT'S A CRIME? Part I

IS IT WORTHWHILE GOING TO JAIL?

Recently reported statistics for housing federal prisoners:

     2000 - $21,603       2012 - $29,027

In Los Angeles, Superior Court Judge William Ryan has reduced sentences of five three-strikes inmates under a new voter approved initiative to soften the state's tough sentencing law.

Among the five were a 74-year-old man who has served more than 15 years for possessing $10 worth of drugs and an 81-year-old who served 17 years for stealing cigarettes.

The Proposition (36) provides for reduced sentences for minor crimes under a law that sent inmates to prison for 25 years to life if they racked up three (3) convictions.

That's a crime?

In Lake City, Utah, Clare Niederhauser of Layton, was arrested January 31 for shooting at a suspected burglar who was fleeing his property.

Niederhaus, (not the suspected burglar), apologized during a plea deal hearing and agreed to a deal that includes a class B misdemeanor discharge of weapons.

He will pay a $700 fee, take a weapons class and forfeit a .357 caliber weapon.

That's a crime?

In Henderson Arkansas, a thief who stole a debit card, DVD player, cash and a paycheck from Catherine Simpkins' car had a change of heart.

A day after she reported the theft, Simpkins found the items in her mailbox with a note, "Sorry, for the inconvenience." It was signed "anonymous".

Not returned was $100 in cash.

(Shipping and handling charges?)

That's a crime?

In Easton, Pennsylvania, graduate student Megan Thode wasn't happy about the C-plus she received for one class in 2009, saying it kept her from getting her desired degree and becoming a licensed therapist - and as a result, cost her $1.3 million in lost earnings.

Now Thude is suing her professor and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, claiming monetary damages and seeking a grade change.

Now folks, THAT'S A CRIME!!