Prison time costs more than parole

To the editor:

With all the news about budget cuts, there are many concerns about the legal system. Senate Bill 5 is for first-time non-violent offenders. After 120 days of incarceration, an offender may file a motion to be released on probation. When such a motion is filed, a judge orders a report on the offender. If the report is favorable, the judge can order the offender's release. Very few reports offer any offender a chance for parole. One prosecuting attorney says he wants to set an example, but he is costing the state $104,832 a year. This is because the offender has a disabled child who required 24-hour care. The prosecuting attorney says this money is being used wisely. It does not seem to bother him, because its not his money that's being spent. Society is afraid of budget cuts and would like to see its money used more wisely for other funds that might be eliminated or cut.

KATHY PAYNE, Cape Girardeau