ACTIONS SUPPORTING 3-STRIKES REFORM

CONTENTS

1. Tell others about the campaign
2. Contact your legislators
3. Be part of a community event
4. Read 3-Strikers' stories

Over 800 people have joined our RAPID RESPONSE LIST in support of 3-Strikes reform. We need to double that in the next few months.

If you are going to a community gathering or event, please consider bringing a copy of this signup sheet to gather a few signatures. Even easier, here's a sample message to adapt or copy it right into an email:

Dear friend,

I've joined the 3-Strikes Rapid Response list at JUSTICE IS NO GAME. I encourage you to join too. You'll get 1-3 messages monthly on opportunities to reach legislators at key times and inform public opinion.

It is simply wrong to give the same Life Without Parole sentence to The Green River Killer as to a person who grabs a wallet or robs a store with threats or non-injury force (Robbery 2). It's wrong to give a sentence of 777 years to a person who fights with another recklessly (Assault 2).

In 2001, Washington's Sentencing Guidelines Commission recommended removing Robbery 2 from the list of "Most Serious Offenses" triggering Life Without Parole under 3-Strikes. It also recommended evaluating whether any form of Assault 2 should remain on the list, as some forms are probably not commensurate with life sentences. The legislature has not implemented these common sense reforms! They need citizen pressure.

Senator Adam Kline introduced Senate Bill 5292 this year, which would implement the first recommendation. During the first year of the session it passed in the Judiciary -- but stalled in rules. SB 5292 was also included in the Senate Proposed budget. Bills included in the proposed budgets are considered "Necessary to Implement Budget" (NTIB). However, although reforming 3-Strikes would lower corrections costs and save money, its inclusion as "NTIB" does not gurantee that it will pass.

We need to keep the pressure on for next year. I hope you will help.

Senate Bill 5292 has been filed for legislative session 2009-10. It would remove Robbery 2 from the list of Most Serious Offenses. This is one of the reforms recommended by Washington's Sentencing Guidelines Commission in its 2001 Sentencing Reform Act Review.

To find out who your legislator is and to contact, click HERE. Or just call the hotline: 1.800.562.6000. Here's a sample message:

Dear legislator

Washington's Sentencing Guidelines Commission recommended reform of the state's 3-Strikes law in 2001. It recommended that the legislature remove Robbery 2 from the list of most serious offenses and evaluate whether some forms of Assault 2 also should be removed. These two crimes are in the lowest quartile of seriousness under state law at RCW 9.94A.515. They carry standard sentences of 3 months to 7 years. It's time to implement the recommendations of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

We can't afford to spend millions every year on ineffective and unjust policies like 3-Strikes. Please support 3-Strikes reform.

If a Senator (second paragraph): Please support Senate Bill 5292, Senator Kline's bill to remove Robbery 2 from the 3-Strikes list.

If a Representative (second paragraph): Please sponsor or support legislation to reform 3-Strikes in accordance with the SGC recommendations.

It is a change in public opinion that will bring the full reform needed to this law -- and help our state move past criminal justice policies based on fear, vengeance, and political expediency -- rather than on evidence of "what works" to reduce crime. By reading the stories of Three Strikers you'll be a more informed and effective advocate.

 

Contact Justice Works! for other ways to be involved. If you live in the Seattle area, consider attending Justice Works! weekly Friday evening meeting -- 6:30 at 5101 Rainier Ave. S. #106.