SURJ aids change in Delaware justice system

DOVER — A group seeking to revamp Delaware’s criminal justice system will hold its annual convention Thursday at the Modern Maturity Center, several months after it helped major reform measures win approval in the General Assembly.

Stand Up for What’s Right and Just (SURJ), the state attorney general’s office and the state sentencing commission (SENTAC), reached an agreement on House Bill 210 in this year’s legislative session.

The bill increases the minimum mandatory sentences for manslaughter and other violent crimes while easing the penalties for some drug and traffic offenses. It also provides for home confinement instead of incarceration for many motor vehicle offenses.

“This has been far and away the most important thing we have been able to accomplish,” said Thomas Eichler, SURJ’s executive director.

“This has given judges more discretion in sentencing drug offenders. SURJ has been recognized in Dover as a player in criminal justice issues.”

The legislature also approved Senate Bill 50, which shortens the probation periods for most crimes. Supporters said lengthy probation periods overload the justice system.

Mr. Eichler said Thursday’s event will include discussion on how to further the nonprofit organization’s goal of repealing Delaware’s minimum mandatory sentencing laws and gaining more resources for drug and alcohol treatment programs.

Mr. Eichler said treating offenders often benefits society more than simply throwing them in jail. He praised Dover’s House of Pride, which helps released inmates re-enter society. Such programs, he said, help keep individuals from committing additional crimes and returning to prison.

“Instead of building more prisons, we should be focused on re-entry programs,” Mr. Eichler said.

“We are trying to get people to think differently. Whether people are going to land on their feet or fall on their face depends on what kind of support is available.”

Though often at odds over minimum mandatory sentences and the death penalty, Attorney General M. Jane Brady complimented SURJ on its work to pass the reform measures.

“We worked very effectively to get the reforms in sentencing, which helped me achieve my goals of targeting the violent repeat offenders while preserving our premium prison space,” Ms Brady said.

“Between HB 210 and SB 50, we probably have implemented the most sweeping reform of sentencing since 1990.”

Senate Minority Leader John C. Still III, R-Dover, and Rep. Bruce C. Ennis, D-Smyrna, will speak Thursday night about the legislature’s views on sentencing reform and other issues.

“It was a reasonable compromise,” Sen. Still said of HB 210.

“I am hopeful that there will be more money for treatment. For us to be successful, we need more resources.”

Sen. Still said lawmakers could be open to further changes of Delaware’s sentencing structure, but warned they are not going to be easy on criminals.

“It depends on if it is a repeat offender or a first-time offender,” Sen. Still said.

“For drug crimes, it depends on the amount — if you are a pusher or just a user. If you are a pusher, we are going to come down hard on you. If you are user, you will get help.”

Staff writer Joe Rogalsky can be reached at 741-8226 or jrogalsky@newszap.com