There can be life after prison

Sending criminals to prison is not only meant to punish, but rather a way to rehabilitate the misguided. And if the convicts would take advantage of opportunities and programs offered them behind bars, then they could hope to get reconciled with the mainstream society upon their release.

District Court Judge Alex Munson issued these reminders in sentencing convicted hostage-takers last week.

Five young men who participated in the March 7 jail riot have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 21 years. They were charged with federal offenses that carry a punishment of life imprisonment, but their plea agreements provided for reduced prison terms.

“It was a very fair, equitable and therapeutic sentence,” said William Campbell, the court-appointed lawyer for Arceo Busto, who was sentenced Friday to 15 years’ imprisonment. (See related story)

“The judge is right in saying that prisons are there not just to punish people but also to send a message to the community that they are not supposed to behave in a way that hurts other people,” Campbell said.

Those convicted of hostage-taking are aged between 19 and 31 years old. They were separately charged in the local court with different crimes such as theft, robbery, rape and murder.

“They may have received shorter sentences than they should have, but 15 years is still a long time for these young men,” said US Asst. Atty. David Wood, who prosecuted the prison takeover case.

“The judge is very even-handed. The prosecution as well should be commended for their compassion,” Campbell said.

Campbell said he hopes his client and his co-defendants, would “take advantage of their opportunities to correct their behavior and become better persons living a normal life.”

Parole is not available in the federal system. Those sent to prison can only hope to receive a 52-day credit per year for good behavior.

“In the federal system, life imprisonment means life imprisonment, but there are various alternatives in the federal prison system for people to improve their life even though they are incarcerated,” Wood said.

He said the prison provides a “structured environment” that can give them opportunity “to learn something and make something of themselves.”

Federal prisons offer rehabilitation programs for inmates, education courses for those interested in continuing their studies, and technical courses such as electronic works, and car repairs aside from regular college program.

There’s also an opportunity inside the prison for the inmates to make money which they can save and spend to buy basic personal needs, Wood said.

“They have these options to chose from. They don’t have to depend on criminal activity for the rest of their lives,” Wood said.

“A lot of people have completed college in prison. If they try to improve themselves they can come back better educated and able to fit in the society in a functional way,” Wood added. (MCM)