The SAFE-T Act legislation in the state of Illinois has made major changes to a variety of law areas in the state of Illinois. The lawmaker’s intention behind the bill has been to promote equity within the criminal justice system. The intent of the SAFE-T Act is to result in a better criminal justice system on monetary, social, and other levels.
The SAFE-T act was meant to ensure that the criminal justice system is not set up to inadvertently create career criminals. It is not uncommon for criminals who would otherwise turn their life around to become stuck in a cycle of crime due to feeling trapped due to the ramifications of an initial offense. Those who feel trapped by the system may feel a sense of dejection due to the impact on civil life or due to the impact of sunk time in incarceration.
Though the concept of being released on good conduct has existed for a number of years, prisoners have still often expressed that they feel the criminal justice system is not a help for true reform and meaningful personal and internal change. Despite the possibility of release on good conduct, that possibility is tempered by the limitations of the criminal justice system.
What are the changes made by the new bill on good conduct release?
The new bill adds changes that increase the amount of good conduct credits available across a variety of situations.
In addition to the sentence credits already available under current law, Directors of prisons may now award an additional 180 days of credits for sentences under five years and 365 days of credits for sentences over five years. Directors may grant these credits for any good conduct that they deem proper.
Extra good conduct credit available to those who participate in certain programs
Under the new legislation, extra good conduct credits are available for those who participate in substance abuse programs, educational programs, work-release programs, behavioral modification programs, life skills training, or re-entry planning.
Bonus good conduct credit available to associate degree holders
New legislation awards a bonus of 120 days of sentence credit to those who earn an associate degree while in prison.
New legislation also adds sentence credit for volunteer work, self-improvement programs, or work assignments that are not included in the above provisions.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer Today
It is important to get professional help in matters involving your safety or the safety of those you care for. Do not delay in acquiring legal help from our law offices. Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help navigate new changes to pretrial release procedures. Recent changes to Illinois law likely affect your rights and trial process, so make sure to remain informed and updated. Make sure to acquire legal assistance the whole way through. When you need an attorney, experience matters. Contact us today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.