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posted
04/08/08 09:08 PM
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updated
04/10/08 02:21 PM
Featured Post! |
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9
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Crime
Support the Stay Out of Drug Area (SODA) program?
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The SODA zones are rather large...
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Comment by
Kerry
April 09, 2008
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I'm confused...
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Could somebody clarify what is meant by "Pre-Trial" in this case? I know this seems kind of obvious, but if it's pre-trial, then the subject of this order potentially hasn't been convicted of a crime yet, or am I misunderstanding "pre" in this case? I guess my concern is that you're placing restriction on a person for the accusation of a crime, which, I'm pretty sure, isn't exactly how the American criminal justice system is supposed to work, unless there's risk of flight. I'm all for restricting drug activity, but how can you justify this in a legal sense?
Take the classic "slipper-slope" argument: if I'm accused of speeding in my car, should I not be allowed on I-5, since it's a high-speeding area? Clearly alot of cars go over the speed limit on I-5, endangering the public, right? I see drug activity all the time on my block, but I'm not sure an end-run on the criminal justice process is the right answer to the problem. Good luck with it though, I'm sure the ACLU is going to have a field day with this one ;) |
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Comment by
kb
April 09, 2008
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Good intentions, bad idea
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You're talking about defendants charged but not convicted of crimes. With this SODA plan, The prosecuting attny can charge any drug violator with trafficking and effectively ban that person from their family, home, school, support system, etc.
I appreciate your frustration with the legal system, but this seems like a bad idea. |
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Comment by
six shooter
April 09, 2008
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SODA
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I'm with the slippery slope group here. I empathize with the intent and the frustrations in our neighborhoods, but until someone is convicted of a crime I don't think this is a workable or even a legal approach. However, some similar idea could work for those who have been convicted and who are either leaving prison or rehab as part of a probation plan. Good for both the community and the individual. Returning to the old or similar environment is seldom good for the addict. Therefore, it follows then that retuning does the community no favors.
Joanna |
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Comment by
joanna
April 09, 2008
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Pre-Trial SODA Orders
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The Pre-Trial SODA order makes exceptions to the restriction for places of employment, court/government offices, social services provider, attorney office, medical services, and school between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
If an individual lives in a SODA zone then the order is usually not imposed. The request is made only for the SODA zone that the person was arrested in, not all the zones in a precinct. The order is for a 90 day period from the date that a defendant is arraigned for the offense. Most cases are adjudicated by that time. Pre-Trial SODA orders have been issued in other cities in the United States. Superior Court Judges often place pre-trial restrictions on charged defendants if the restriction is related to the charged crime. |
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Comment by
Ellen O'Neill-Stephens
April 09, 2008
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RE: Pre-Trial SODA Orders
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Has this idea been implemented in other places? Are there reports of its effectiveness that could be evaluated?
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Comment by
krgl
April 09, 2008
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RE: Pre-Trial SODA Orders
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Thank you for the important work you do, Ms. O'Neill-Stephens. I wonder if you know how much we appreciate your efforts.
If Superior Court Judges place pre-trial restrictions already, why do we need SODAs? |
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Comment by
six shooter
April 10, 2008
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I'm not sure about this either
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I live close to 23rd/Union, so yes, I've seen plenty of drug-related activity. Having said that, and being plenty frustrated with the people doing it, is this really the best way to try to solve the problem?
The other question - given the lack of police resources in the East Precinct, how easy is it going to be to actually enforce this? |
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Comment by
John
April 09, 2008
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see O'Neil-Stephens' followup at MPNA blog
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I sent Ms. O'Neill-Stephens some questions about the program. Andrew Taylor added her response to the MPNA post.
See also: coverage at Seattle Crime Blog |
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Comment by
Phil M
April 11, 2008
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However, the SODA areas that are outlined in this map are huge. If someone is nabbed at 23rd and Yesler, they aren't allowed to visit the businesses on the northeast end of Madison? That seems excessive. What happens if that person lives or works in the neighborhood where they are nabbed? Are they forced to quit their job or move houses? That's not going to help someone get back on their feet.
Has this idea been implemented in other places? Are there reports of its effectiveness that could be evaluated?