Drug Crimes In Washington:  Change Has Come

Here is an interesting fact:  Five years ago, 22% of inmates in state prison were there for drug crimes; today, it is 13%.   These statistics, along with a recent study that found Washington ranks 44 out of 50 for its use of incarceration, clearly demonstrate that we have changed our approach to drug cases and found more effective tools than incarceration to deal with drug addiction.

Over the last decade, the Washington State Legislature has cut drug sentences by half, directed the savings toward drug courts and drug treatment, and implemented several treatment alternatives to prison.  King County has integrated drug treatment into our criminal justice system, and institutionalized its role in the system with programs such as Drug Court.

Drug addiction remains a tragedy for many individuals and families in our community, but for someone addicted to drugs, being arrested may not be the worst thing that could happen.  Often, it is this intervention with the criminal justice system that successfully coerces drug-addicted defendants into treatment.   Many of these defendants agree to enter treatment in lieu of going to prison.  Over time, this model has proven successful.  According to a recent Rand study, every dollar invested in drug treatment saves a corresponding $7 within the criminal justice system.

The current sentencing range for selling cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine is 12 to 20 months (for each of the first 3 offenses).  The Washington State Legislature has proposed additional cuts to drug sentences in SB 6011.  Under this proposed bill, drug sentences would be reduced by an additional 25% in an effort to save an estimated $5 million this biennium.  SB 6011 would cut current drug sentences from 12 to 20 months down to 12 to 15 months.

If approved, these newly reduced sentences are also subject to a 50% reduction for "good time."   This means that a 12 to 15 month sentence for a drug dealer will become only six to seven months "real time."  Prosecutors throughout the state fear that such low sentences may actually reduce the effectiveness of treatment programs by reducing the incentive drug-addicted defendants have to enter treatment in lieu of prison.

We have dramatically reformed the way we handle drug cases in our state and our county over the past several years.  We support reforms that help addicts get clean and protect the community from collateral drug-related crimes.  Unfortunately, further reductions in state sentencing laws may not accomplish either of these important goals.

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