State Representative Alex Zimmerman's bill, which seeks to limit the maximum incarceration term for consecutive misdemeanor sentences, has progressed to the Senate for additional review. The proposed legislation aims to introduce a cap on misdemeanor sentences similar to those in place for certain felony situations.
Zimmerman highlighted a gap in the current system where individuals charged with consecutive misdemeanors might serve longer sentences than those convicted of comparable felonies. "This bill would address a gap where those charged and sentenced with consecutive misdemeanors could face more time incarcerated than if they were convicted of similar felony crimes," Zimmerman stated. He added, "This is a code revision so that we are not sentencing misdemeanor offenders more than we would those facing more severe charges."
An example cited by Zimmerman involved a defendant who received a 12-year aggregate sentence for 24 misdemeanor counts. In contrast, if the charges had been felonies, the maximum incarceration period would have been capped at four years.
Zimmerman also noted that this legislative change could help reduce pressure on local sheriffs, as individuals serving misdemeanor sentences are housed in county jails.
House Bill 1014 will now be reviewed by the Senate. Further details about the bill can be found at iga.in.gov.
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