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Non-violent Offenders Could Avoid Jail in Kentucky

By AP

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky is considering a cost-saving plan that could allow people arrested for marijuana possession, prostitution and hundreds of other nonviolent crimes to avoid going to jail. The Kentucky Supreme Court has approved a proposal to test the effort in a handful of counties before deciding whether to expand it statewide. Justice Will Scott says the move has the potential to save the state more than $400,000 a day in jail costs by allowing people arrested on any of more than 700 mostly obscure charges to immediately post bail and go home.

Prosecutors favor testing the initiative, saying it makes sense financially and poses minimal risk to public safety. People convicted of crimes could still face jail terms.