Breakdown Of State Question 805

Oklahoma voters at the polls on Tuesday will be deciding on controversial State Question 805.

If approved, SQ 805 would end the use of sentence enhancements for people convicted of non-violent crimes. The goal is to reduce prison populations and long sentences for people convicted of non-violent crimes.

Supporters of SQ 805 said that it would give millions of dollars to put practices in place that work instead of prolonging sentences.

"State Question 805 would save the taxpayers of Oklahoma when implemented nearly 200 million dollars. That's 200 million dollars that can be reinvested in services for survivors in treatment, in mental health care," said Kris Steele, of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform.

Opponents, however, said that the criteria for non-violent crimes, such as animal cruelty and domestic violence by strangulation, would create a public safety problem.

"If this is just mere possession, mere possession charges, I could completely understand it. But this isn't. There's so many other crimes by statute that are listed as non-violent that are violent in nature," said Tommie Johnson, a Republican Candidate for Oklahoma County Sheriff.

According to supporters, the legislature still has the authority to set penalties for crimes and judges would be able to sentence someone to the maximum penalty for that crime.

Click here for more information in support of 805.

Click here for more information in opposition of 805.