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The DA of Suffolk County, MA has released new guidelines -- "The Rachel Rollins Policy Memo" -- and the new policy is absolutely insane.
I just finished reading the memo, here's an overview. [thread]
I just finished reading the memo, here's an overview. [thread]
Here's a key phrase: "collateral consequences." Rollins wants her office to consider what happens to a cocaine or heroin dealer when they've been convicted for dealing drugs.
According to the Rollins Memo, "collateral consequences" for a convicted heroin dealer could include "denial of foster care, adoption and kinship care."
Yes, because it's in the best interest of foster children to ensure that HEROIN DEALERS CAN ADOPT KIDS!
Yes, because it's in the best interest of foster children to ensure that HEROIN DEALERS CAN ADOPT KIDS!
Other "collateral consequences" of heroin trafficking:
* ineligibility for welfare benefits & public housing
* removal from public office
* ineligibility for gun license
(Seriously, we can't convict heroin dealers bc they might not be able to get guns and EBT cards) [page 18]
* ineligibility for welfare benefits & public housing
* removal from public office
* ineligibility for gun license
(Seriously, we can't convict heroin dealers bc they might not be able to get guns and EBT cards) [page 18]
Here's Rollins' definition of collateral consequences: "..harms that may arise at any point along the spectrum of system involvement. This applies but is not limited to: any and all financial costs and penalties; statutory GPS tracking device restrictions; mandatory employment..
..disqualification; registration of a sex offender, etc."
In other words, if a conviction would result in $$$ loss to the defendant or cause the defendant to register as a sex offender, then that weighs on whether charges are brought.
In other words, if a conviction would result in $$$ loss to the defendant or cause the defendant to register as a sex offender, then that weighs on whether charges are brought.
