New Directions in Prosecution J. Scott Johnston Assistant District Attorney

Federal Drug Prosecutions January 2014 Number Latest Month 1,487 Percent Change from previous month -7.8 Percent Change from 1 year ago -11.5 Percent Change from 5 years ago (inc Mag. Ct) -9.3 Percent Change from 5 years ago (exc. Mag. Ct) -22.6

The monthly count of federal prosecutions for narcotics/drugs offenses has reached its lowest level since May 2000 The number observed during the most recent six month period appears to be the lowest seen since the end of the Reagan Administration.

Georgia 1 in 13 Georgia Citizens in prison or on Probation or Parole (more than 2x National Avg) 1 in 70 Georgia Citizens in prison $1 Billion Corrections Budget (5x 1985 budget)

Georgia Georgia Population 9.5 Million New York State Population 19.5 million Both States have the same number of incarcerated Citizens

Georgia Today 30% of inmates are ineligible for parole, that is up from 2% in 1989 The average stay in prison for drug possession is 21 months, that’s up from 10 months in 1990

Sentences First Offender Conditional Discharge Upon successful completion a first offender discharge is recorded Does not act as a conviction Conditional Discharge 1st drug offense or property crime related to drug use Upon successful completion the case is dismissed

New Directions RSAT Day Reporting Center Drug Court Community Involvement

RSAT Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Probation Sentence 9 months in patient treatment at a detention center 6 months aftercare Drug treatment and mental health counseling

Day Reporting Center Probation Sentence 5 Weeks Report every day 2 days a week after that Must have gainful employment in phase 2 Drug treatment and mental health counseling

Drug Court Post conviction/Pre Sentencing Out patient drug treatment Must be gainfully employed or in school Case is dismissed upon successful completion

Community Involvement Bill Nettles: U.S. Attorney in South Carolina Intervention model for low level drug dealers